what to look for when buying a domain

helping my friend register his first domain and i want to make sure he doesn't make the same mistakes i did.

first thing is don't buy it bundled with hosting. separate registrars are cheaper and you actually own the domain.

second, check renewal prices not just first year. some registrars lure you in with cheap first year then jack up the price.

third, make sure privacy is included. shouldn't have to pay extra for that.

fourth, check the 60 day transfer lock rules. if you might want to move it, don't renew right before.

fifth, look at the dns management interface. some are impossible to use.