Web Geek help needed

[Yossarian]

Hi web geeks!
I'm an internet dong, I need help.
I want to have a website, I want it to have a certain address. I think that's called a domain name. How do I find out if it's available, too close to other addresses, and barring problems, get my domain name?
Once gotten (purchased), do I register it somewhere, or is that done in the getting?
Once gotten, presumably I will need a place to host it, which presumably can be a service or my own machine if I have one to leave on all the time? Man, I really don't know shit about this!
I'll start reading, but in the meantime, gimme the basics?

Similar question about Trademark/Copyright databases to check and make sure I can use the same name for other things, etc, etc. Where do I check, how do I register, and so on?

Thanks in advance!
Sincerely,
Dong

[Schmear]

Good place to check availablity and to register/purchase:
http://www.domainbank.com/

Yes, you will need to buy hosting separately. I (and Endless) have had good luck with this company:
http://www.mewebhost.com/

I think it's far better to buy server space from a host than to use your own machine/server, especially if you're not an IT guy. That way you can rest easy while others do the work for you--i.e. restart the server when it crashes, sort out any technical issues, security updates, etc.

Not sure about the copyright thing.

[Lurch]

You register the name with a Domain Name Register. They typically have a WHOIS search engine on their websites that you can use to see if the name you want is available. The register will usually offer to host your Domain Name in their DNS servers for an extra cost. You need a web server to host your site. The DNS server will point lookups to your domain name to the web server. Some web hosting companies also offer Domain name registering and hosting so you can get everything in one place. You can host your site on your home machine if speed is not an issue to you. I do this for my own site with using a dynamic dns hosting service.

[Yossarian]

eh, who knows, could be a business in the making, so I'd better be sure.
Anyone had luck with NetworkSolutions? All in one stop shop at top of google list, so I assume it's the safe and slightly pricier way to go?

[bklyn]

Start searching here to see what's available:
http://www.whois.sc/

I've used http://www.mediatemple.net/ for my hosting for many years and highly recommend them.

[Lurch]

eh, who knows, could be a business in the making, so I'd better be sure.
Anyone had luck with NetworkSolutions? All in one stop shop at top of google list, so I assume it's the safe and slightly pricier way to go?

Network Solutions is the 800lb Gorilla. They were spun off from InterNIC which used to be the only company that registered Domain Names.

[Snow Dog]

You can also check domain names at network Solutions WHOIS.

[Yossarian]

Thanks guys.
Figured on the NetworkSolutions front.

Appreciate the rec Tracy, personal referrals are always worth following in my book!

[Yossarian]

name is available!
whoo hooo

how worried should I really be about all the various .org .net .com etc.? Lock up em up just for good measure? Or don't bother?

[Lurch]

name is available!
whoo hooo

how worried should I really be about all the various .org .net .com etc.? Lock up em up just for good measure? Or don't bother?

I wouldn't worry about it as long as yours ends in .com and the name is not highly desirable.

[Yossarian]

thanks geek
sincerely, dong

it's not a super desirable name, but I'm clipping a corner off one other site out there, which I don't really mind since they're an established source for info, and I'm an upstart non-company looking to be found.