Internet and Domain Name Services
Domain Names
Introduction Domain Names Email Web Hosting Writing Web Pages
Register Domain Names Web Host Provider
Introduction
A Domain Name (such as bamford.com.au) can be likened to a postal address - there is only one such address in the world.
With your own Domain Name you have an internet identity that is unique. You can have email addresses of your choice and your own unique internet site (such as http://www.bamford.com.au).
Having a Domain Name does not automatically provide email addresses or an internet site. You need to take further steps that are outlined in subsequent pages.
Types of Domain Names.
There are many types of Domain Names including Top Level Domains (TLD's) such as .com, .net, .org, .biz, and .info.
Most countries have one or more groups of Domain Names with the last two letters representing the country (for example .au for Australia, .uk for UK).
Some types of Domain Names are available to everyone. Some have conditions that apply to their use (for example, for business use only). Other Domain Names have additional stringent requirements that must be met (for example, some countries require a business presence in that country for certain of their Domain Names).
As part of your internet planning, you need to decide which type of Domain Name is best for you, or whether several Top Level and Country Domain Names should be acquired.
Selection of Proposed Domain Names.
In choosing Domain Names, you should think of suitable alternative names and then find out whether they are available. You can do this by using "Whois" searches available on the internet sites of organizations that register Domain Names. Some names are reserved and are simply not available.
It is sensible not to encroach on the intellectual property rights of others, for example Trade Marks, Registered Business Names and Company Names. Search Engine searches on the key words of proposed names can be helpful, and details of Trade Marks and Business Names are available on-line for some countries.
What makes up a good Domain Name? There is much written about this, but our answer is something short, unique, memorable, easily spoken, easily written, and if possible descriptive of your activities. As there are millions of people looking for much the same thing, don't hesitate if you find an available name that really suits you.
Acquiring a Domain Name.
You acquire a Domain Name by applying to an accredited registrar, or an agent of a registrar. If it is available and you satisfy all requirements, you will get the Domain Name for an initial period at an annual charge paid in advance. When that registration period expires, and subject to you continuing to meet registration requirements, it can be renewed for a further period.
Many of the most popular types of Domain Names can be registered on-line, so that the outcome is quickly known. There is considerable merit in being closely involved in the registration process, so that any problems can be identified and overcome quickly.
Information about the holders of Domain Names is available on the internet. Before an application is made, you should decide carefully the contact names, business names, addresses, telephone numbers and email contact addresses that will be submitted. These decisions can have an important bearing on the success of an application for a Domain Name, and upon subsequent management or possible later transfer to someone else. In case you are asked to suggest a password, it is a good idea to write down beforehand a secure password of say 8 characters containing both letters and numbers.
It is very important that you or preferably your organization is recorded as the holder of the domain - as distinct from someone else who registers the domain for you. This gives you full authority to subsequently control and manage the domain.
For Top Level and some other domains and depending on the registrar, electronic management of the domain is often available i.e. online and with email. This is generally preferred to registration arrangements that require letters or faxes before changes can be made.
Selection of a Domain Name Registrar.
Most registrars handle selected types of Domain Names, and there are many registrars and agents handling Top Level Domains and popular domains.
By looking around, you can find widely differing prices for registration of the one type of domain.
What is less obvious is that the services offered by different registrars and agents also vary widely. For example some provide domain (URL) forwarding so that the domain can be pointed at web space somewhere, which could be free web space with your dial-up internet provider. Some of the services that are included in registration costs can be most useful, although higher registration costs are not necessarily indicative of the extent of such services.
Should you need to change registrars later on, the initial selection of a registrar for a Domain Name is also important. It is sensible to look very closely at the terms and conditions that would apply if you use a particular registrar, to make sure you are happy with all their conditions.
Management of a Domain Name.
After initial registration of a Domain Name, from time to time the details recorded for you will need to be changed. This will occur for example if you change your mailing address or email address, and when you want to have the domain hosted so that pages are visible on the internet.
It makes on-going management of a domain much easier if the type of Domain Name and the registrar used allow you to make such changes on-line at any time.
Management of a domain (particularly on-line) will involve the use of a password allocated when the domain was registered. You should protect this password very carefully - in many cases it is the main method whereby you are identified as the holder of the Domain Name.
Bamfords, Post Office Box 11, HALL ACT 2618, AUSTRALIA
Phone +(61 2) 6227 5532 Fax +(61 2) 6227 5995
Bamford Industries NSW BN97702171, and John Bamford & Associates NSW L8632225
Copyright ©Bamford Industries 2003-2005
Home Page http://www.bamford.com.au