Domain names - search, buy and set

The alphanumerical sequence users enter in their address bar of an internet browser to visit a specific web site.
A domain name cannot contain spaces or  @ & + / \ . " ; , ' ! _ ~ and ` signs.

This is a unique name purchased by the site's owner.

The domain name can have a great influence on the site's success: search engines analyze the domain name and include it as a factor in the site's search engine ranking. A domain name can reflect the site's content and exhibit professionalism or amateurism. A short catchy name can help people remember your site better.

Every domain has a TLD (Top Level Domain) which is the suffix at the end of the domain name, eg. COM, NET, INFO, BIZ etc.
The most desired TLD internationally is .COM
Every country has its own TLDs and choosing the right TLD is dependant of your website's nature - for a broad international site prefer a .COM .NET or .INFO TLDs. For a local, non-English site, it is better to buy one of the national TLDs.

Finding the right name - every site has its own unique domain name.
Millions of sites already registered millions of names, how can you still find a good domain name? Go to your chosen registrar site and search for the original name you wanted. In case the domain name you wanted is unavailable the registrar will offer you some alternative domain names which are not taken.

Consider trying a different TLD for your domain: If you originally wanted example.com and your company is located in Swiss, try example.ch.

Open a dictionary or a thesaurus and look for words describing your business or online activity.

Whois - Another option is to look up the owner of the domain name you desire by using a whois service. Whois lookup returns the details of the person who registered the domain you are checking. Contact the domain owner and negotiate the possibility of buying the domain.

Prices for domain names vary as domain names can be purchased with any domain registrar.  COM, NET, BIZ and INFO domains are usually priced between 6$ - 15$.

Many of the web hosting providers today provide you with a 1 free .COM domain registration bonus.

Setting the DNS - a domain name points to your host, so when people enter the domain they will reach your files. DNS setting tell central servers around the web where should a domain name point.
When registering your domain name you will be asked for the DNS settings - simply enter the DNS values given to you by your hosting provider. This could also be done later if you first buy the domain and only later choose a hosting provider.
If your hosting provider is also your domain registrar, he will set up the DNS for you.
When changing your hosting provider you will need to update the DNS settings with your new server's settings.

DNS settings need to be propagated.
Allow up to 48 hours for the changes to take place.