Domain Names

Domain names are relatively straightforward! Or at least that's the theory!!

The domain name is also, but technically not quiet correct, known as the website address.

Using an ISP's domain name can look amateurish in an e-mail addresses, it is much more so with websites, giving the impression of hanging on another's coat tails. The only exception being when a firm wants to re-inforce a local or professional affiliation by appearing as part of an existing site dedicated to a region or association. Even in such cases autonomy and continuity are better assured by having one's own domain and merely using a page on the third party's site to point users toward it.

Domains are classified according to their endings or "suffixes". As a commercial organisation a company will almost certainly want a domain ending in .com or .co.uk. Other endings such as .biz and .ltd.uk are at least to date, insufficiently familiar to users, meaning the name can be too readily misremembered. Of the two desirable suffixes, .com is preferable for business with international activities, and arguably gives the impression of a bigger organisation, whilst .co.uk helps reassure users on the largely American-dominated web that they are indeed dealing with a UK firm.

The part of the domain name before the suffix will usually by the firms trading name, provided of course that the domain name has not already been registered, (which is increasingly likely these days). If the name is very long an abbreviation may be considered. Domain names are not case sensitive.

The actual registration of a domain name is a straightforward process that can be done online, either through your ISP or better still through a dedicated registration service company such as Discount Domains Ltd (http://www.discountdomainsuk.com). Renewal fees must be paid, typically every two years.

Checking if a domain name is freely available is very straightforward as most domain registration services provide a WHOIS service, as the name suggest, this checks the ownership details of a domain, note however that such services normally run 48 hours behind actual registrations.

Moving ISP's can save money, however it may take time and incur extra charges. Pricing in the domain name registration industry have fallen considerably over recent years and a domain name typically now costs from $15 for two years registration.

Once your domain name is registered, you can either leave the domain name "parked" awaiting future use, or point it at a website, this is usually achieved by changing the Domain Name Server, or DNS settings on the domain to point at hosting company where your website is located. Almost all registration services offer a free user control panel to change these settings.

Web hosting is the provision of space on a web server to publish a web site. There are numerous hosting companies in the market, and most domain registration services also offer a hosting solution. Prices vary but $100 per annum should be sufficient for most business needs.

(C) Clare Lawrence 11th May 2004

About The Author

Clare Lawrence is CEO of Discount Domains Ltd ? A leading UK provider of Domain name registration and Web Hosting services. Please feel free to re-publish this article provided this reference box remains together with a hyperlink to http://www.discountdomainsuk.com Clare can also be contacted on clare@discountdomainsuk.com.

---

Whats In A Name: Selecting the Right Business Name

With all that's written about selecting a domain name, I... Read More

How to avoid copyright infringment in your domain name

One of the most important aspects of choosing a domain... Read More

.info Freedom Frenzy

Whether you're someone that registers domain names on a regular... Read More

Protect Your Domain Name or Risk Losing It

Your domain name is an important part of your brand... Read More

How Do I Buy a Domain Name?

Q: I'd like to buy a domain, but I discovered... Read More

Does the Length of a Domain Registration Affect Your Search Engine Rank?

Does the length of your website's domain name registration affect... Read More

ICANN or I CANNot that is the Question

Well, it seems we should all be very busy registering... Read More

ICANN Registrar: Great promotion by is-domains!

ICANN accredited registar Secura is announcing today, that the company... Read More

What is a Domain Name and Where to Register?

A domain name is an alias for an IP address.... Read More

A Very Simple 3 Step Process To Find That Perfect Domain Name Using Some Free Online Tools

So you finally decided you want your very own home... Read More

Choosing a Domain Name - One of the First Stops for Your New Website

So, what is a domain name, or simply a domain?... Read More

Secrets of Expired Domain Name Traffic

One of the biggest challenges to a webmaster is how... Read More

Public Domain - Internet Gold Mine

With the advent of the internet and the ease of... Read More

Free eBook: Business Domain Names

Since every website needs a name, Dr. Steve Baba has... Read More

Whats In A (TLD) Name?

They're pushing for a top level domain (TLD) exclusively for... Read More

How to Choose the Right Domain Name

What's in a name? Everything! A domain name is the... Read More

How To Choose The Best Domain Name

In this article we are going to look at the... Read More

Deleted Domains Can Kickstart a New Website

Are you getting ready to launch a new website online... Read More

Domain Name Registration and Privacy

The internet is a wonderful thing, except for a few... Read More

How Do I Get My Domain Name Appraised?

What's your domain name worth?Perhaps it is better to ask... Read More

Protecting Your Domain Names

Domain Dispute is no longer news unless a Madonna or... Read More

Public Domain Works Are Closer Than They Appear

Searching for public domain works can be a tedious job... Read More

Think All the Good Domain Names are Taken?

Have you heard of the other tlds (top leve domains)... Read More

Domain Name: Why Do You Need One Anyway?

I come across sites all the time that are obviously... Read More

The Growth of ru-Domains

The registry of ru-domains reports, that the number of domain... Read More

All-time Record of Domain Registrations

The number of registered domains has reached an all-time high... Read More

Is Your Domain Costing You Traffic?

You visited a great website some time ago that had... Read More

42 Killer Domain Secrets Exposed!

The Basic StuffEvery website needs a domain name. Example "WebBootCamp.com"... Read More

Before You Register a Domain Name for Your New Online Business...

Recently I made a mistake that may cost a great... Read More

Is Your Company Name Killing Your Online Business?

Ahhh... your company name.Your identity. What separates you from everyone... Read More

Selecting a Domain Name Registrar - How to Avoid Getting Burned

When it comes to registering your domain name you want... Read More

The net-Domain: Backbone of the Web

We do not always realize that figures are just quantity... Read More

Warning: Your Domain Name Could Infringe On Trademark Rights!

If you have or are about to purchase a domain... Read More