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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