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What is a
domain name and why do I need one?
Practically speaking, your web address is the name that
represents your internet identity, your online brand. Your
customers will remember this name and use it to find out about
your products and services. And since no two parties can ever
hold the same web address simultaneously, your Internet identity,
is totally unique.
Technically
speaking, a domain name represents your internet address. While
computers use Internet Protocol (IP) numbers to locate each other
on the Internet, people find them hard to remember. Therefore,
web addresses were developed to permit the use of easily
remembered words and phrases to identify Internet addresses.
For example,
the web address "acsiwebhosting.com" represents our
website acsiwebhosting.com. When you type "acsiwebhosting.com"
in a web browser or send email to acsiwebhosting.com, the Domain
Name System (DNS) translates "acsiwebhosting.com" into
the IP numbers used by the network and connects you to ACSI.
Why should
I register a web address?
A web address is more than your internet address, it's your
internet identity, your online brand name. It puts your business
on the map of today's business world, opening your business to
over 100 million internet users worldwide.
If you're
serious about your business, then it is vital that you have your
own easy to remember domain name. The main reasons are twofold:
No one will take any company seriously that has their website
hosted by one of these free web page hosts. It doesn't say a lot
for a company that can't even afford to pay for their own web
space. You will have a domain name that is relevant to your
company and is much easier to remember for future reference. My
domain name is "acsiwebhosting.com". Now imagine that
it is "freeshostingspace.com/uk/business/acsiwebhosting".
Which one is easier to remember?
What makes
a good domain name?
The name of your company is always a good choice. If your company
name is rather long and hard to remember, then choose something
easy to remember and associates with your product or service.
What
characters can I use in my domain name and how long can it be?
A web address can have up to 26 characters (including the four
characters in .com, .net or .org). You may use any combination of
letters and numbers, as well as a "dash" (-), as long
as you do not begin or end your name with a dash. No special
characters (@&(*^$#) are allowed. Please note that there is
no need to begin your domain name with "www.".
The
different types of domains
- .com
is for commercial organizations.
- .net
is for entities and computers that represent part of the
internet's infrastructure.
- .org
is for miscellaneous entities that do not fit under any of the
other top level domains; typically used for non-profit
organizations.
- .edu
is for four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities.
- .gov
is for agencies and branches of the United States Federal
Government.
What's the
difference between ".com" and ".com.au"?
Most businesses in the U.S. as well as thousands around the world
choose a domain name ending in ".com". Some businesses
outside the U.S. also choose to end the name in a country code,
such as ".com.au" (Australia). Unless your customers
are mainly based within your country and you want to make a point
of being a local business, then it is best to just use
".com". Many businesses outside of the U.S. use a
country code preceded by ".co" for commercial, such as
"yourdomain.co.uk".
How can I
determine whether the web address I want is available?
You can search the databases of the particular web address
registrar. For example, for ".com, .net and .org"
domains, you would search the "Whois" database. If your
first choice is not available, you can try another web address.
If you can't think of a name, some providers can even generate
some relevant available options, when you enter some keywords
describing your business.
What does
"hosting" my web address mean?
Every web address must reside on a host computer, a domain name
host. Domain name hosts are connected to the internet and use
special software to translate web addresses into the numerical
addresses used by the network. When users enter your web address,
the domain name host directs them to your e-mail or website.
Without it, your web address is invisible on the internet.
Do I need
to have an internet service provider or a domain name host before
I can register a web address?
Contrary to popular belief, you don't. You can reserve a web
address today to assure you that your name will be there for you
when you are ready to use it.
When my web
address expires, will I be able to renew it?
Yes. When you are ready to renew your web address, simply go back
to the registrar of the domain name and renew it.
Can I
register more than one web address?
Yes! You can register as many web addresses as you like.
Can I
register a web address by myself?
Yes! All you need is a few minutes, some basic information about
yourself, your business and your credit card. You can simply
order over the internet.
What if the
domain name I want is already taken?
An incredible number of names are being registered everyday. Some
are just registered by entrepreneurial opportunists hoping to
make a fast buck by selling it on. If the name you want is
registered, you might be able to purchase it from one of these
domain name broking companies. But be warned! It is likely to
cost a few thousand dollars or more for a name. Your best bet
would be to try another name.
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