Buying a Domain name....Where? who etc

[Magic_x_uk]

Hi, just looking for some advice.

I want to in the next few months start making a web site and getting it advertised etc.

But. Before I go into that and start learning how to make a web site etc

where do i buy a domain name from. I have done some searches and the name I want xxxxx.co.uk is available. (where x = website name)

Just wasnt sure if some of these companied were cowboys or not.

Just need steering in the right direction.

Is there anything I need to watch out for or what?

many thanks.





When I do get the domain name bought. What is good software to start me off learning about building, basic web pages to start with. I am a Windows 7 user. Not wanting something that I need to learn lots and lots of coding to start with would have course be a bonus.

 

[Magic_x_uk]

The domain names seem very cheap for a year, do they they up the charge the following year or is it like car/home insurance, ie you can look around for better prices.



Also who OWNS the domain. I mean there could be permutations or words that are not even imagined yet.


I just dont understand, there is so many websites, I can do a 'search' on there website and see the domain name i want to buy. How do THEY own it to start with?

Am I buying it just for 12 months. But new all this to me.

 

[Magic_x_uk]

okay, so if buy the domain name then is it active? ie: if i make a web site (no idea how) may even get someone to do it.

If someone then types or googles the name, it will go to it, or do I then need hosting?


Bit of a minefield all this.