Domain Name Questions
The following is a list of common questions that one might have in regards to domain names.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is your unique Internet address. Most Internet sites register with InterNIC which issues domains under the .com (commercial), .org (non-profit), .net (network infrastructure), and .gov (US federal government) top level domains. There are also top level domains for every country, such as .ca (Canada), .us (United States), and .uk (United Kingdom).
Domain names should be memorable so that people can find and return to your site. For example, if your organization was Widgets, Inc you would probably choose widgets.com.
What is an IP address?
Every computer on the Internet has a numeric address called IP-Address that is used to identify the location of the computer. An example of an IP address is 204.234.212.1. This kind of addressing system is cumbersome and hard to remember for humans. Having a domain name will eliminate the need to remember an IP address.
What are the components of a domain name?
A domain name consists of two or more words separated by a period. The last word (the far right) is called a "top-level domain". Here are some common top-level domains and their use:
.COM
Used for commercial entities. It is the most popular top-level domain. Anyone can register a .com domain.
.NET
Originally used for networking organizations such as Internet Service Providers and backbone providers. Today, anyone can register a .net domain.
.ORG
Designed for miscellaneous organizations, including non-profit groups. Today, anyone can register a .org domain.
.EDU
Four-year, accredited colleges and universities.
Country Codes
Other top-level domains include those for countries (.CA for Canada, .UK for the United Kingdom, .HK for Hong Kong, etc.), which are based on the International
Country Codes
Other top-level domains include those for countries (.CA for Canada, .UK for the United Kingdom, .HK for Hong Kong, etc.), which are based on the International Standards Organization's 3166 standard for country abbreviations.
To the left of the top-level domain is what is called the "second-level domain." In firstclasssolutions.net, "firstclasssolutions" represents a second-level domain within the top-level domain of .net.
It is also possible to have a domain name in the form of something.firstclasssolutions.net. In this case the "something" is called a "host" name or a "sub-domain". It is not necessary to register a host or sub-domain with a registry before being able to use it.
How long can a domain name be and what are the restrictions?
A domain can have a maximum of 76 characters including the extensions (.com, .net, etc). A domain name can contain numbers, letters or a dashes. A domain can not start or end with a dash.
What is a DNS?
DNS stands for "Domain Name Server". It translates domain names into IP addresses that computers understand. For example, if someone wants to access First Class Solutions' website (www.firstclasssolutions.net), the DNS will translate the domain into the IP address 206.114.196.2, which will allow the computer to locate First Class Solutions' web server.
What is a registry?
A registry is an organization similar to Network Solutions who register domain names into central computers, which are accessed by individual DNS servers. Registry companies report name registrations to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ("ICANN") who is responsible for the domains .com, .net, .org, .edu and .gov. ICANN accredited companies like Network Solutions charge an annual fee (which doesn't benefit First Class Solutions) which is currently $70 for 2 years. Other common registries include Nominet for .co.uk, and CaNet for .ca.
What is a URL?
It stands for Univesal Resource Locator. Some people refer to it as a web address (although URL is not limited to the web). An example of a URL is http://www.firstclasssolutions.net. Please note that a URL is a unique identifier. No two websites can have the same URL. This is the reason why you should register your domain name before someone else does.
What if the name I want to use is already taken?
You can choose an alternative domain name, or if you feel that you have a right to that domain name you could file a dispute and try to regain your domain name.
How long does it take to register a domain name?
If the information provided is correct, it should take less than 24 hrs. You can check the First Class Solutions site to see whether or not your domain name has been registered by typing it into the domain search box on the domain registration page.
Once a domain is registered, who "owns" the domain name?
The domain name is owned by the organization that is listed on the whois database. You can view this information by searching for the name on Network Solutions' website and click the whois on the home page.
Does First Class Solutions handle domain name registrations?
Yes. First Class Solutions will submit a .com, .net, or .org top level domain name for registration on your behalf through the accredited domain name registrar, Network Solutions. Feel free to register your domain yourself and receive free domain parking to our domain name servers.
|
