Domain Name Registartion FAQ

What are domain names?

Domain names refer to the internet address you type in your browser, such as www.domain.com. Usually the domain names end in .com, .net, .org, etc.

How do I register a domain name?

Domain names can be registered trhough many different domain name registrations companies

The registrar you choose will ask you to provide various contact and technical information that makes up the registration. The registrar 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.

What is a TLD?

TLD stands for Top Level Domain. It refers to the extenstion of the domain at the end, such as .com, .net, .org, .de, .mx, .info, etc. Besides the standard TLD's that are available for everytone to register (.com, .net, .org, .info, .biz, .ws, .bz, .us, and a few more), there are also TLD's sucgh as teh country level TLD's which may have restrictions. For example, to register in country level domain in most countries you must be a resident of the country or do business in that country.

What is DNS?

DNS stand for Domain Name System. It helps users to find their way around the Internet. Every computer on the Internet has a unique address - just like a telephone number - which is a rather complicated string of numbers. It is called its "IP address" (IP stands for "Internet Protocol"). IP Addresses are hard to remember. The DNS makes using the Internet easier by allowing a familiar string of letters (the "domain name") to be used instead of the arcane IP address. So instead of typing 221.92.1.3, you can type www.internic.net. It is a "mnemonic" device that makes addresses easier to remember.

Will my name and contact information be publicly available?

Yes your information will be publicly available, unless you pay extra to get domain privacy. the information is avaialble through the WHOIS database. Most registrars will put the email address in image format, so it won't easily be harvested by automated email harvesting tools that spammers use.

What is WHOIS?

WHOIS is a database that contains information about all domain names registered. Besides the owner's contact info, it also include the DNS or the server's address.

How long can I register domain names? Can it be renewed?

Normally registration is for one year, unless you pick additional years when registering. Most domains can be registered at maximum of 10 years at a time. Yes all domains can be renewed when expiration time arrives. You can either pick an auto renew option or you will recieve notices prior to expiration via email to renew your domain. For this reason, make sure to use a valid email address that you check.

How much does a domain-name registration name cost?

Each domain TLD costs differently and often form reigstrar to registrar these prices may vary slightly.

Can I transfer my domain to different registrar after registering?

Yes, you can do this, but usually ther eis a 60-day waiting period before you can do so.

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. More information about ICANN can be found at http://www.icann.org.

What do I do if somebody else has registered my company's name or trademark?

ICANN has a domain dispute resoltion process. Normally it costs $1700. A panel of judges will review your complaint and give a chance to the other party to respond and then decide who should own the domain. If you win, you are entitled to collect the fees from the person who had taken your domain, altough this may be a legal challenge. You may visit their site at http://www.icann.org/udrp/udrp.htm for more info.