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Common domain name questions and answers.

What is the domain name system?

The Domain Name System (DNS) 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 207.151.159.3, you can type www.internic.net. It is a “mnemonic” device that makes addresses easier to remember.

What does it mean to “register” a domain name?

When you register a domain name, you are inserting an entry into a directory of all the domain names and their corresponding computers on the Internet.

How do I register a domain name?

Domain names can be registered through many different companies, known as “registrars” that compete with one another. You will 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.

When registering a domain, you will have to provide the following information to the registrar:

• Billing Contact
  The billing contact is responsible for receiving the bills and paying the registrar any fees.
• Administrative Contact
  The administrative contact is the individual or role who is responsible for acting as the primary contact. The administrative contact does not necessarily need to be able to manage the technical aspects of the domain and can be the same as the billing contact. A larger company may want to designate a particular department or individual for this role.
• Technical Contact
  This individual or role will be responsible for any technical issues regarding the domain name. The technical contact may be the same as the billing or administrative contact. For a larger entity a certain individual or department may be assigned this responsibility. Smaller companies sometimes enter the company that is responsible for the development and maintenance of their site as the technical contact (not recommended).

Recommendations

• For a small company or individual, all three entries should be the same. Any technical inquiries directed to the technical contact can be forwarded to the appropriate person or company if/when they are received.
• Make sure all information is kept up-to-date so you will be sure to receive any important information regarding your domain. Most registrars provide an interface from which you can manage all aspects of your domain, including the contacts.

How long does a registration last? Can it be renewed?

Each registrar has the flexibility to offer initial and renewal registrations in one-year increments, provided that the maximum remaining unexpired term shall not exceed ten years.

What are name servers?

When you register a domain, you will be asked to supply at least two name servers for your domain. A name server, or domain name server, maintains the cross-reference between domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. Name servers are used so that people don’t have to remember long numerical IP addresses. Most web hosting companies have one or more machines assigned as name servers, and they will provide these to you when you set up your hosting account.

What is domain parking?

If you do not have a hosting account at the time you register your domain, the domain will need to be “parked.” Domain parking is a term used for temporarily placing a record in a name server for later use. Many registrars will park your domain at no cost until you get a hosting account.

Suggestions for Selection a Domain Name

• Name should be short and simple
• Easy to remember
• Easy to spell
• Consider using only one word or at most two single syllable words
• Consider using a keyword related to your business in the name
• Consider purchasing common misspellings that might be entered
• Consider purchasing domains that might be attractive to competitors
• .com is for business, .org for non-profits, .net for internet/network related
• .com is best, also buy .net version of domain name if it is available.

More Domain Information Resources

http://www.icann.org/

http://www.internic.net/