>>>Can someone inform me as to
>>>
>>>1) check to see if a web domain name is already taken?
>>>2) how to apply for a name if it's available?
>>
>>Try http://www.whois.net/
>>
>>I think you can search and register from that site.
>
>Thanks, that's the right place. Well, my name idea is not taken yet, that's good news :)

http://www.networksolutions.com/internic/internic.html

Is where you can register and check domain names.