Can anybody recommend a method of registering a web site name ( .co.uk or whatever), or point me to the thread where this is explained? (I did attempt a search.)

At this stage I just want to register it, not set up any space etc.

www.123reg.co.uk are great, and cheap as chips. :)

I aggree with the above post,

I've used 123reg for the past 4 years. Registered numerous domains and never had any problems.

Open a new account with www.123reg.co.uk (http://www.123-reg.co.uk/affiliate.cgi?id=AF60194).
Search for the Domain Name of your choice. The results panel will show you which .extensions are available.
Select the tick box(es) for the one(s) you want to register.
Next
Enter Name/Address/contact details for the domain, and your card for payment. (typically £6 for .co.uk, £20 for .com .biz .info .me.uk)

Domain is then available in your "Back office".
Here you can set:
Email Forwarding
Web forwarding
Add Hosting (if required), even build a web using their easy-build tool)
Add a Weblog for your domain.
Submit Your website to 10 Search engines for FREE (do this once per month!!)
..... plus loads more.

Definitely go with 123-reg.

I've used tehm for all the domains I manage for people - the other big plus is that if you want to change where you host the pages of your site, it's all under your control.

Registering via a hosting company is often a bit fraught with pain when you come to change hosting companies.

Joe

yep, 123reg here also.

very handy

... 123reg here too.

I have seen ukreg.com recommended a few times. All under your control there too.