thanks tinkerbell - especially with pointing out that merchant and business accounts are in fact different from each other - i will go exploring and probably back with more questions.

now, back to domain names.

there seems to be many many sites that offer one to register domain names. and i take it that as long as you register a valid and not-yet-used name with one, others will not be able to register the very same one anywhere else, is that right?

a second question here is, is the main difference between the sites that offer domain name registrations the price?

also, are there any "phishing sites" that claim to register domain names for you and yet only with the intention to take your card numbers and personal details?

lastly - for the moment - what are other things i should know when i want to register a domain name?

thank you.