How we purchased our domain:
We are not saying that they are the best, but we use 1&1 for our web hosting. This is how:
Go to www.1and1.com and click on "Web Hosting". Then select either "Linux Hosting" or "Microsoft Hosting." We don't know why, but we chose to use the Microsoft hosting. Now as soon as you see something that says "sign up," click on it. We chose the home plan. After you select your package, you will need to select your domain names. I suggest that you not pick a name that is really long...remember, people are going to have to type the name into their browser to view your page.
There are other domain hosting services. If you choose to look around, look at what they offer. You want a descent amount of space and several email addresses. (At Chapel of the Cross REC, we give each member an email address. This way, we can stay in touch easily.) When we purchased our sites, 1&1 gave us Microsoft FrontPage for free + shipping. I don't think that they do that now.