FAQ - Domain Registration

Domain Names

What is ICANN?

ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is a non-profit corporation that is responsible for managing and organizing the Domain Name System (DNS) to ensure that every address is unique and that all users of the Internet can find all valid addresses. It does this by supervising the distribution of unique IP addresses and domain names, and ensuring that each domain name maps to the correct IP address. ICANN is also responsible for accrediting the domain name registrars by which they enter into an agreement that sets forth the rules and procedures applicable to the provision of Registrar Services.

What is a domain name system?

The Domain Name System (DNS) helps users to find their way around the Internet. Every computer on the Internet has a unique address, which is a complicated string of numbers that can identify computers, routers, switches, etc. This is called its "IP address" ("Internet Protocol"). These can be useful when troubleshooting network problems. However, IP Addresses are hard to remember. The DNS makes using the Internet easier by allowing a familiar string of letters (or the "domain name") to be used instead of the cryptic IP address.

What is a domain name composed of?

A domain name, for e.g. example.com, is basically composed of two parts: The "example" part of the domain name generally defines the organization or entity, and together with the top-level is called the second level domain name. There are, nevertheless, restrictions as to the characters admitted in a domain name.
The maximum number of characters allowed in a domain name inclusive of the extension is 63, and may consist of a combination of characters from a-z (not differentiating between upper and lower case), 0-9 and the hyphen "-". Hyphens may not be used on the first or last character No special characters such as %, &, $ or * are allowed Domain names are not case sensitive, and so it does not matter if you capitalize a letter anywhere in the domain name. ".com" is an example of a Top Level Domain (TLD), also known as an extension, which can be selected. TLD's are the domains that you normally see when browsing the Internet. The most popular TLD's are: .com- used by commercial organizations, available to the public .net- used by sites related to the internet, available to the public .org- used for non profit organizations, available to the public Choosing a domain name should be a carefully thought-out process, for having a good domain name adds credibility to your business. Also, remember to ask others what they think of your selection, for they may be able to provide you with some valuable ideas.

How would I know if a domain name is available?

All you need to do to check for domain name availability is to provide a value for the domain name and select one of the extensions ((i.e., ".com", ".net", ".org", etc) in our availability checker. My Hosting Compare's easy check tool will allow you to check the availability of domain names instantly.

Domain Name Registration

What does it mean to "register" a domain name?

The Internet The Domain Name System (DNS) consists of a directory hierarchically organized domain names and their corresponding computers registered to companies/individuals using the Internet. So by registering your domain name, it is being associated with the computer on the Internet that you designate it during the period the registration is in effect. You can create a website in that computer, which will be accessible to Internet users around the world.

How do I register a domain name?

Domain names are registered through many different companies called 'registrars'. These registrars vie with one another in providing the best deals at competitive prices. You will have to provide your chosen registrar with various contact and technical information that makes up the registration. Records of contact information can be found in a central directory known as the "registry." It is this registry that provides other computers on the Internet the information necessary to send you e-mail or to find your web site. You will also enter into a registration contract with the registrar, which states the terms under which your registration is accepted and will be maintained. Once you have chosen your domain name, there are three steps that are necessary for obtaining a domain: Finding a domain name registrar Ensure the domain name you want is available Register and lease your desired domain name(s) Your registrar will be the hosting company or the company you bought the domain from. An accredited registrar must be chosen to help you register and modify your domain name information, to which you will have to pay an annual fee. Remember that registration with a registrar does not bestow legal ownership of the name, only an exclusive right of use.

How long does a registration last?

You can have your domain name registered for a period ranging from one to ten years, which is renewable after the period has ended. Remember that failure to renew your domain name can result in someone else purchasing it. There are some registrars that even offer a registration period of 20 and 100 years.

Will my name and contact information be made available to the public?

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.

Would I need to register multiple domain names?

It is quite common for a site to be supported by more than one domain name. In fact, most sites are referenced by at least two domain names. However the question arises as to the need for more than one domain name for a single site. The answer stems from the fact that the key to advertising a web site or web page on the Internet is to get the most exposure for your site for the least amount of money. Search engines scroll through your site looking for and totaling up particular key words and list your business as many times as you have domain names. By having multiple domain names, you also protect your business and product's name in preventing others from copying your site. For example, if you are an organization, it is advisable that you register the .org as well. After all you do not want others using the .org version of your business for unethical purposes that could damage your reputation.

How do I choose the right registrar?

The first step towards registering your domain name is to search for the right registrar - you will need to ensure that the domain registrar you choose is genuine, professional, puts up the best offers, services, features and that all of these is available at the most affordable prices. It is possible to get the most out them - to your advantage - for the least possible price. On the other hand, you need to ensure that you don't register your domain into the many scams that infest the Web. For these reasons, searching and getting the right registrar can be a daunting task. In choosing the right registrar you should consider the following criteria:
With My Hosting Compare you can be rest assured that we have weighed all the above criteria in helping you choose the right registrar to best suit your needs and also ensure that you are registered with a genuine and secure domain name registrar.

Domain Name Transfers

What is domain name transfer?

Transferring means changing the registrar that your domain name is registered with. Some registrars offer better service or rates than others. You can transfer your domain name to any registrar at any time. However the transfer will need to be done before the registration expires.

Will the transfer process change my information?

No, all existing information will remain the same. The transfer process will not change your name servers, and so the transfer will not affect your websites and email.

Are there any restrictions when transferring a domain name?

In most cases, domain transfer is a simple process barring some exceptional situations that may delay or prevent the same:

Domain Name Services

What is Private Registration?

The information listed on your domain name has to be made available to the public as per your registrar's agreement with ICANN, the international governing body of domain names. Using false information will breach the registration agreement and can result in your domain registration being terminated. That is also by agreement with ICANN. However, with Private Registration you can have all the benefits of a domain registration without disclosing your personal information to anyone. When you purchase a private domain registration service, the WHOIS directory will list your domain name registrar’s name and contact details instead of yours.

What is URL forwarding?

A business may want to enter example.com, example.net and example.org to ensure that no competitor profits off its name. For this URL forwarding is required where a business can register multiple names for one address so that multiple domain names are redirected to a single web site. Many registrars provide this option for free or for a nominal fee.

What is Auto Renew?

If you are nearing the end of your domain name registration period, it's best to renew your services before the actual expiration date to protect it from getting lost. Some domain name registrars have Auto Renew turned on to facilitate automatic renewal of domains prior to their expiration date. This way you can prevent your domain names from accidentally expiring and you from losing control of your web site, e-mail and other services that you may have with that domain.

What is DNS Management?

DNS Management is a service that allows domain owners to manage their DNS records. This can help them to point their domain names to specific server locations and automatically transfer the services from one server to another in case the first one is not online or cannot provide the desired service. DNS Management helps you manage your domain names easily and get the most out of your website.

What is Online Account Management?

Online account management allows you to service all key aspects of your account relationship with your customers over the Internet. It also helps you empower your customers to monitor and manage their own accounts.

What is a business profile?

A business profile is a one-page Web site, published at the domain that you register, providing you with an instant online presence. In choosing a registrar that provides you with such a feature, you are ensuring that potential customers can access your personalized profile which they can then make use of to learn about your business, such as basic contact information and more detailed overview of your products, services, brands, payment methods, hours of operation, discount offers, and more.

What are Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs)?

Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) are domain names comprised of local language characters. IDNs, by their nature, can transform the Internet into a global and multilingual instrument by enabling Internet users to navigate and communicate online in their favored script.

What is Domain Protect?

Domain Protect lends an additional layer of protection to your domain name registration, guarding it against unauthorized domain name transfers. It is wise to select a registrar that provides this feature (mostly provided free) with every domain name registration. With the domain protect turned on, you can block transfers of your domain name to other registrars. In other words, it protects your domain from ‘domain hijackers’ or others who may attempt to transfer your domain name registration. You will simply need to turn off this service if you wish to transfer your domain.

What is an ‘Under Construction’ page?

An Under Construction page (a.k.a. parked or parking page) is a placeholder Web page for a domain name that is not yet attached to an active web site. This placeholder page informs visitors that your Web site is coming soon.