How do I simply RESERVE a domain name?

I could have sworn there was a time way back in the beginning days when you could simply RESERVE / buy a domain name without having to signup through a web hosting service ... was this just my imagination?





I have a domain name that I have verified is not in use and would like to reserve / buy it before it gets snapped up ... but I am not yet ready to commit to any particular web hosting site / package ...





... is this even possible ?





... if yes, can someone please provide me with the link (s) ?





Thank you!
How do I simply RESERVE a domain name?
You can *register* a domain without actually setting up a Web site, but you will still have to purchase the rights from an official domain registrar. Back in the day, Network Solutions was *the* place to do this, but now you can register for as cheap as $6 for one year through Yahoo!, GoDaddy, or any other number of sites. Most of these sites will offer bundled package deals that give you Web hosting, email, etc., but if you don't need that then don't buy it.





Of course, remember that you need to re-register the domain every 3-5 years (depending on how long your contract is) or it goes back to the public domain.
How do I simply RESERVE a domain name?
I know it's too late to answer. But I'd like to address one concern.





The domain name IS considered used the moment it's registered, even if there's no active website. How can you possibly verify a domain name as not being in use if you're not its registered name holder? Report It

Reply:(Adding extra comment due to 300 character limit)





Aside from the provider's registration agreement and whatever applicable laws, only the domain name's registrant decides how it'll be "used". No one else can accurately judge how it's "used" or not. Report It

Reply:Anyway, I'll also provide one answer to your direct question:





http://customersupport.network...





And that's assuming you want to buy the currently registered and paid name from its current holder without reserving for it. Report It

Reply:Go to http://idotz.net, register a domain and choose "Park the domain" while registering the domain. Parking is free.





You can choose the web host later on.
Reply:Yes, this is definately still possible to do. A couple of great places are either Register.com and go to thier 'domains section' ( direct link: http://www.register.com/retail/product/r... You can recheck the name and simply buy ownership for one year without any hosting package. You can also do this with Godaddy.com. Although each site does provide hosting you won't be restricted to that company when you do pick a hosting company. You will have an option to move the name to your prefered hosting company when you find it.





Purchasing a domain for the year does hold it for you, but as for reserving a domain there is such a thing called 'domain parking' that does just that. I'm not sure the differance / benefits of that though since I haven't done it personally.





Good luck!