Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ's]
We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding Domain Names.
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There are many different types of domain name. If you are in the USA, or if you are outside the USA and are trading or intending to trade internationally, then by far the most popular is a domain name ending in .com.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is an address on the internet (easy to remember names for computers on the Internet ), your own piece of cyber real estate. With a domain name you can provide all internet services
including email, website hosting, ftp, telnet and dial-up access.
They correspond to a series of numbers (called Internet Protocol [IP] numbers) that serve as routing
addresses on the Internet. Domain names are used generally as a convenient way of locating information
and reaching others on the Internet.
Why do I need a domain name?
The Domain Name System (DNS) serves as the addressing system on the Internet, in a similar fashion as the postal or telephone systems do in the real world. Without a postal address or a phone/fax
number, a company may as well be invisible. So too on the net, without an Internet address (IP), a business (or any other cyber entity) not only can't be found on the net, it can't exist on
the net. It is also a issue of branding.
What characters can I use in a domain?
You are limited to using alpha-numeric characters, and the hyphen (and the hyphen can't be the first or last character of the domain).
How long can a domain name be?
Until the Fall of 1999, a domain name was limited to 22 characters, but the rules have changed to allow domains with 63 characters.
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Once you buy a domain, do you own it forever?
No, you are basically "renting" the domain. Most registrars have a minimum one to two year registration period, though some are offering variable registration periods now. Once the initial period is over,
you will pay a "maintenance fee" to keep the domain. If you fail to pay it, you relinquish the domain, and becomes available for others to buy.
How To Transfer Domain Name
A domain transfer is, in effect, to transfer domain name from the management under one registrar to another registrar. As a registrar is only responsible for the management of your domain records, this transfer should in no way affect your website, relevant email or DNS.
A domain transfer is, in effect, to transfer domain name from the management under one registrar to another registrar. As a registrar is only responsible for the management of your domain records, this transfer should in no way affect your website, relevant email or DNS.
If successful, the transfer of your domain name generally takes at least ten working days to complete - this can be shorter or longer depending on the registrar you choose. The cost of transfer will also vary depending on the registrar. Some registrars may be more willing than others to work out a package deal for you
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If I buy a domain before the company that owns the trademark/copyright for that domain buys it, can I sell it to them?
No. The passage of an anti-cybersquatting law has made this an act that will get you an invitation to a court appearance. You must relinquish the domain to the rightful trademark/copyright owner
upon their request, or prepare to present your reasons for rightful ownership of the domain to the court.
I changed my mind about the domain name that I registered. Is it too late to change it?
No. Once you register a domain name, you cannot "un-register" it. If you find that the domain name you chose no longer suits your business or personal needs, you should register another
domain name. The domain name you originally registered will continue to be registered to you until the end of the registration period. Registration and re-registration fees are non-refundable.
Do I have to pay for a domain up front, or can I be billed?
Yes. Until recently, interNIC allowed folks to be billed for domains, but that resulted in too much domain speculation. Now they, and most other registrars, have implimented a "pay up front"
system of registration.
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Getting Started
