Safe(r) Domain Search
I was underwhelmed at the ‘safe’ domain search agents available. I particular encountered trust issues with some of the bigger registrars out there – including godaddy.com and hostgator.
Two options that have worked well for me so far (in that, I cannot discern any name grabbing happening)
- Suso’s Safer Domain Availability Checker
- Whois query directly from your windows (or Mac, Linux) computer
The second option is the SAFEST – since it involves no middle servers to speak of (nowhere that the search query can be logged).
Download the whois client for windows
Type the following in a command prompt window
whois [-v] domainname
Summary : It is hard enough finding an available domain name. Add to that the frustration of not knowing whether your registrar will truly help you check it’s availability – and you run into a lose-lose situation.
The two search options listed above have worked well for me. I have managed to register whatever I searched for. If you know of other safe search options, do share.
As of 2021 suso’s does not no longer work for me.
It used to be the only way that I would do a search.
It appears that the second option above is the only option.
The reason for this is dishonest politicians!!!
Who let the godaddies get away with it.