What is a domain name?  (www.YourDomainName.com) This is a component of the internet address that is assigned to you which allows someone to locate you on the world wide web.  It is your permanent address as long as you maintain your registration.  It allows for email addresses such as (you@your-name.com) and easy to remember web site addresses for personal and business use.

What does it mean to register a domain name?  When you register a domain name you pay a fee to have the name assigned/licensed to you and associated with a (DNS) computer on the internet that you designate during the effective period of registration.  There is only one registry for the domains and all registrars write to the same one.  Registrars simply hold your registration information.

What is DNS?  Your domain name is actually a long set of numbers that would be very hard to remember, so we use descriptive words and let the (DNS) Domain Name Server software translate the domain name into sets of numbers (IP address xxx.xx.xxx.xx) so that a browser can locate your site.

How long can a name be?   A minimum of 2 characters up to 63 characters plus the extension.  Valid characters are (a-z) and (0-9) and the dash (-) as long as it is contained with in the other characters.  If you use capital letters they will be translated into lower case, which is what the domain name system (DNS) recognizes.

What is a domain name extension?   It is the three letters [.com .net .org .info] that follow the name you have selected.  It can indicate the kind of organization that is hosting the site. [.com = commercial, .net = network, .org = nonprofit].  These are the most common top level extensions used by individuals and businesses today. Some people buy all three to protect their name from use by others.  Anyone can register a domain name in any of the three extensions if they are available.

What about registering all three extensions? Should I?   If you plan on spending heavily on marketing and wish to protect your investment, it could be a good idea.  If someone else registers the names you would have no guarantee of obtaining the name through purchase or legal means.  Compared to legal fees and marketing costs, registration fees are inexpensive.

What is a URL?   A Uniform Resource Locator is the "address" or location of a Web site or other Internet service.

What are the fees to register a domain name?   Costs vary widely, from $15 to $100 per year depending on the registrar you choose and what their currently advertised deals may be.   Web hosts frequently offer low cost registration when you sign up for their hosting services.

What if the name I want is taken?   Once registered, a name is taken until the registration expires.  Just retry another name until you find a name that is available.

How long does a registration last?   Most registrars offer one and two year registration periods.  Longer periods are available, but you lose flexibility in the event you wish to move your registration (fees are involved) or if you wish to change your domain name.  Your registration may be renewed at any time for an additional period.

Can anyone register a top-level domain (.com .net .org) worldwide?   Yes.  The top-level domain names .com .net .org domain names are available to anyone worldwide.

Do I have control of my domain names?   Yes.  You have complete control of your domain name for as long as it is registered.

Can I sell my domain name?   Yes.  You have complete control of your names and if you find a buyer you can sell it.

Can I move my domain name to a different registrar?   Yes.  For a fee. If you are disatisfied with your current registrar (paying a high rate, for example) you do not have to renew with them.  You can transfer at anytime.

BACK to Services