Domain Names: What, Why, Who, and How by Debbi
WHAT
, exactly, is a domain name?
The Domain Name System was originally developed to help us navigate through the
internet. Every computer connected to the internet has it's own IP address, a
string of numbers that identify it to other computers. Domain names are a way
of pointing to a specific IP address to make things easier to remember - so now
you shop at Amazon.com, instead of at 207.171.166.102!
The domain name is made of two parts, the name and the extension
. The name is whatever you choose, it can be your personal name, your business
name, a term or a saying. When choosing a domain, be careful to select
something that is easy to remember and is representative of you or your
business. There are numerous Subscriptions to help in choosing a great name, search
Google.com for the term "choosing a domain name".
The extension
is the part that comes after the name, the most familiar extension is '.com'.
There are many extensions, some available only to educational institutions
(.edu) or to citizens of specific countries. The most common domain extensions
registered now are .com, .net, .org, .info, and .biz. It is often recommended
that when you choose a domain name, you register as many of the popular
extensions as you can, to protect your brand.
WHY
would I want a domain name?
The main reason that people register domain names is because they are building
a website, but there are other reasons, too. The registration of domain names
has become relatively inexpensive, and the variety of uses for them has
expanded. Some people register domain names for email only, so they can have a
personalized email address. John Doe can now get email at john@johndoe.com, for
example. Websites themselves have evolved in such a way that anyone can set up
and maintain their own personal spot on the web - it isn't just for businesses
anymore. Blogging and forums (bulletin boards) have become very popular ways
for people to communicate with friends and family, post pictures, and share
other information; and having your own domain name makes finding your blog
easy. Web hosting companies offer personal accounts that allow you to have
email, create a blog, and even build your own personal website at very low
prices.
Even if you don't plan on having a website now, registering your domain name is
a good idea - you never know what you may wish to do in the future, from
starting a home business to wanting to post pictures of your grandchildren. As
more domains are registered, it becomes more challenging to find the exact name
you want. You can register a domain for from one to ten years, and registering
now ensures it will be there for you when you're ready!
WHO
should I buy my domain name from?
Domain name registrars are plentiful on the internet, but make sure you
register with an ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers)
Accredited Registrar, and register in your own name and email address. There
are people who may act on your behalf to register a name for you (such as a
webmaster), but be sure they register it in your name, not theirs. Even if you
want to distance yourself from the everyday operations of your website and
domain, you will still want to be the real owner of that name. Domain
registration is very easy on the internet, using the registrar's website
interface to choose your name and place your order, even the least techno-savvy
can get through it. Don't be afraid!
Domain registrars offer a tool to check to see if the name you want is
available, or if it is already owned by someone else. If a domain is available,
you will be asked to purchase or register it. You may see the option to transfer
a domain listed instead. If you register a domain name with one registrar, and
later decide you'd like to move, or transfer, that domain to another registrar
to receive different services, you have that option. But you must actually own
that domain name in order to be able to transfer it. Many people have made
the mistake of thinking that if they choose transfer, the domain will be taken
away from it's current owner and given to them - this is simply not possible,
nor would you want it to happen to your own domain!
So then, Who owns the domain name I want? And how can I get it? are becoming
questions that are heard more often. There is a tool called a WHOIS Lookup that
can tell you who currently owns a domain name, and WHOIS tools can be found on
the web - search for them on Google.com, and you'll see. Buying a domain that
is currently owned by someone else is no longer out of the question, either.
Many domain owners are willing to sell their domains, and often list the
domains for sale with various domain sale and auction services. There are also
services that will accept a backorder
for a domain. These services allow you to list your desired domain with them,
and if that domain expires and becomes available, the service will try to
register it for you. These systems work like a lottery - or more precisely,
like a concert ticket system. When the tickets go on sale, everyone is trying
to get the front row center seat, but only one can get it. Drop or backorder
services do the same thing, all competing for the same domain name. If you
choose to try for an expiring domain, research several of these services and
register with as many as you can. Remember there is sometimes a fee above and
beyond the registration price when you use one of these services.
HOW
to keep your domain name in good health (or the care and feeding of a domain
name).
First and foremost, now that you've got your domain name, be sure not to lose
it! The most common way for people to lose a domain name is by not renewing it
before it expires. When you register the domain name, you will be asked to
provide an administrative email contact. All future correspondence relating to
your domain name will be sent to that address, including expiration notices. If
you change email addresses and do not update your address with your domain
registrar, notices will never reach you. Likewise, you should always update any
change of physical address or phone number with your domain registrar, just in
case. Put your registrar on your list of places you would inform if you were to
move, and you will avoid this common trap.
Another common way to run into trouble is by falling victim to a competing
registrar's advertising. Sometimes unscrupulous companies will send out email
or physical letters informing you that your domain will expire soon, and asking
you to renew it by transferring it into their domain system. These letters can
be very persuasive, convincing domain owners that they must follow the
instructions in the letter or they will lose the domain name. Often these
cheaters charge a higher fee than your real registrar, and don't offer a refund
once you've paid them for a transfer, even if you don't use it. The best way to
avoid this scam is simply to know who your registrar is, and only respond to
requests made by them. Keep a copy of your first registration letter in your
files, so you can refer to it later if you have any doubts.
The Domain Name System has truly evolved since its inception, and now having a
domain name has become a standard for individuals as well as businesses. Your
domain name is your personality, your identity, your calling card in the
internet world. Choose it wisely and take care of it, and you'll spend many
happy years together!
About the Author
Debbi works with web design and
web hosting |domain name clients, and specializes in assisting the
beginning website owner.
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