Domain Name Registration
Domain Name Registration explained: What it is, how it works, how to do it, hints & tips, advice, useful resources.
What is the domain name system?
Domain names help users to find their way around the Internet. Every computer on the Internet has a unique address called its "IP address" (IP stands for "Internet Protocol"). The Domain name system makes using the Internet easier by allowing a familiar string of letters (the "domain name") to be used instead of the IP address.
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 ending can be registered through many different companies (known as "registrars") that compete with one another. A selection of the leading registrars advertise on this page so click on the adverts and find the deal that suits you best.
Will my name and contact information be publicly available?
Information about who is responsible for domain names is publicly available to allow rapid resolution of technical problems and to permit enforcement of consumer protection, trademark, and other laws. The registrar will make this information available to the public on a "Whois" site. It is however possible to register a domain in the name of a third party, as long as they agree to accept responsibility -- ask your registrar for further details.
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, with a total registration period limit of ten years.
How much does a domain-name registration name cost?
Each registrar sets the price it charges for registering names, and prices vary significantly among different registrars. In addition, some registrars offer discounted or free registration services in connection with other offerings, such as web hosting. To see what offering best meets your needs, you should go to the web sites of several of the registrars listed in the Registrar Directory on this site.
Someone else has registered my company's name as a domain name. What is the process for resolving my complaint?
All ICANN-accredited registrars follow a uniform dispute resolution policy. Under that policy, disputes over entitlement to a domain-name registration are ordinarily resolved by court litigation between the parties claiming rights to the registration. Once the court rules who is entitled to the registration, the registrar will implement that ruling. In disputes arising from registrations allegedly made abusively (such as "cybersquatting" and cyberpiracy"), the uniform policy provides an expedited administrative procedure to allow the dispute to be resolved without the cost and delays often encountered in court litigation. In these cases, you can invoke the administrative procedure by filing a complaint with one of the dispute-resolution service providers listed at the ICANN Website.
Latest News articles on Domain Name Registration
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