DOMAIN NAMES

FAQ: Domain Names

Table of Contents 1. What is the domain name system? Slide 3

2. How do I register a domain name? Slide 4

3. How long does a registration last? Can it be renewed? Slide 5

4. How long does it take to register a domain name? Slide 6

5. How much does a domain-name registration name cost? Slide 7

6. Can I change registrars after registering a domain name? Slide 8

7. Will my name and contact information become publicly available? Slide 9

8. What is ICANN? Slide 10

9. Someone else has registered my company's name as a domain name. What is the process for resolving my complaint? Slide 11

10. What kind of scams are there involving domain registrations? Slide 12

11. What's in a good domain name? Slide 13

12. How do I sell/give/transfer my domain name? Slide 14

13. Do I have to have a web page now that I have a domain name? Slide 15

14. I have misspelled my domain name. How do I go about getting it corrected? Slide 16

15. How long can a domain name be and what are the restrictions? Slide 17

16. What if the domain name I want to use is already taken? Slide 18

17. How do I cancel my domain name? Slide 19

18. What is a URL? Slide 20

19. What is the difference between a parked domain and an addon domain? Slide 21

20. What is domain masking? Slide 22

WHAT IS THE DOMAIN NAME SYSTEMS

The Domain Name System (DNS) helps users find their way around the Internet. Every computer on the Internet has a unique address, which is a complicated set of numbers called an "IP address" (Internet Protocol Address). The DNS makes using the Internet easier by allowing a familiar string of letters (domain name) to be used instead of the arcane IP address. So instead of typing 207.151.159.3, you can type www.internic.net. It is a "mnemonic" device that makes addresses easier to remember.

How do I register a domain name?

Domain names ending with .aero, .biz, .com, .coop, .info, .museum, .name, .net, .org, or .pro can be registered through many different companies which are “registrars" that compete with one another. The registrar you choose will ask you to provide various contact and technical information that makes up the registration. The registrars will then keep records of the contact information and submit the technical information to a central directory known as the "registry." This registry provides other computers on the Internet the information necessary to send you e-mail or to find your web site. You will also be required to enter a registration contract with the registrar, which sets forth the terms under which your registration is accepted and will be maintained.

How long does a registration last? Can it be renewed?

Each registrar has the flexibility to offer initial and renewal registrations in one-year increments, with a total registration period limit of ten years. 

How long does it take to register a domain name?

The domain registration is completed as soon as the company receives the completed registration form and payment. The registration process takes minutes. A confirmation e-mail is sent to the domain name's administrative and billing contacts with the details regarding the domain registration.

How much does a domain-name registration name cost?

Each registrar sets the price it charges for registering names, and prices vary significantly among different registrars. In addition, some registrars offer discounted or free registration services in connection with other offerings, such as web hosting.

Can I change registrars after registering a domain name?

Yes, you may change the registrar sponsoring your domain name (60 days after initial registration.) For details on the transfer process, contact the registrar you would like to assume sponsorship of the registration.

Will my name and contact information become publicly available?

Information about who is responsible for domain names is publicly available to allow rapid resolution of technical problems and to permit enforcement of consumer protection, trademark, and other laws. The registrar will make this information available to the public on a "Whois" site. It is however possible to register a domain in the name of a third party, as long as they agree to accept responsibility -- ask your registrar for further details.

What is ICANN?

ICANN is the new non-profit corporation that is assuming responsibility from the U.S. Government for coordinating certain Internet technical functions, including the management of Internet domain name system

Someone else has registered my company's name as a domain name. What is the process for resolving my complaint?

All ICANN-accredited registrars follow a uniform dispute resolution policy. Under that policy, disputes over entitlement to a domain-name registration are ordinarily resolved in court between both parties claiming rights to the registration. Once the court rules who is entitled to the registration, the registrar will implement that ruling.

What kind of scams are there involving domain registrations?

Several companies are becoming well known for mailing out official looking domain renewal notices which are designed to trick the customer into transferring their domain to another registrar.

What's in a good domain name? A good domain name is short (1 to 3 words),

easy to remember, and representative of your business.

How do I sell/give/transfer my domain name?

In order to change the owner of a domain name you need to complete a Registrant Transfer. DomainPeople has an easy automated Registrant Transfer system (for all extensions except .CA, .US, .DE and .EU and .PRO) and you can use it through your One Click Domain Manager. The new Registrant must have an account with the domain registar company inorder to receive the domain.

Do I have to have a web page now that I have a domain name?

Domain name registration is simply a name reservation service, and you are not required to do anything with your domain name. You may wish to simply reserve it, forward e-mail through it, or construct a web site. It is completely up to you.

If I have misspelled my domain name. How do I go about getting it corrected?

Unfortunately, once a domain name is registered, it can not be altered, including spelling corrections. An alternative is to register the correctly spelled domain name and forward the incorrect one to your correct one. This will allow your customers can still find you even if they make the same mistake.

How long can a domain name be and what are the restrictions?

A domain name can have a maximum of 67 characters including the extension (.com, .net, .org). A domain name can contain numbers (0-9), letters (a-z) or dashes (-). A domain name cannot start or end with a dash (-). A domain name cannot have characters such as (! @#$%&? ~: _).

What if the domain name I want to use is already taken?

You can choose an alternative domain name, or if you feel that you have a right to the unavailable domain name, you could follow the domain dispute policy and try to acquire that particular domain name.

How do I cancel my domain name?

If you no longer want your domain name, the best idea would be to sell your domain name through a domain name broker (do a search for "domain name broker" on any search engine) or give your domain name to an interested party.

What is a URL? 

URL stands for Universal Resource Locator and is a unique identifier for your web address. Your URL contains your domain name.

What is the difference between a parked domain and an addon domain?

Addon domain creates a different folder in your main hosting account which can be used to host a totally different website than your primary domain. A parked domain will simply point to your primary domain which means you just give your primary domain another name.

What is domain masking?

Similar to domain "parking", to give an existing domain another name. So far, we are concern with parking a domain name to another domain that we own. Domain masking also means "parking" to a domain/website that we don't own! You may want to load Google.com but in the address bar still showing another website.