<p><strong>What's in a name?</strong></p> <p>If you have a presence on the internet (or if you are considering it) then having your own internet domain name adds to your credibility.&nbsp; It also means your I.T. infrastructure can change behind it, but your customers still have the same website address to visit.&nbsp; Your domain name can also be used within your email addresses (e.g. <a href="mailto:me@mybusiness.com">me@mybusiness.com</a> instead of <a href="mailto:me@emailforfree.com">me@emailforfree.com</a>).&nbsp; This month we look at some of the traps of internet domain name registration. </p> <p><strong>Naming Rights</strong> </p> <p>Depending on which country you are in, different rules apply regarding who can register a domain name that has your company name in it.&nbsp; In some cases you may need to provide proof that you own the company name (e.g. a business registration certificate).&nbsp; In most cases, anyone can register 'generic' addresses including phrases (e.g.www.fixmywashingmachine.com).&nbsp; If someone else has already registered the name you want, they own it for the period that they have paid for.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>Registration &amp; Renewal</strong> </p> <p>Domain names are not permanently 'owned' - instead they are registered for a set period of time, usually 1, 2, 3 or 5 years.&nbsp; This is done with a company called a 'domain name registrar'.&nbsp; When that period of time is up, the owner may be advised that it's time to renew the registration.&nbsp; The details of the domain name include contact details for both the owner and a technical contact (usually email addresses), so it's important to ensure that these details are correct if you change email service or technical support companies.&nbsp; If your domain name registration expires, your email and websites can stop functioning and someone may be able to take over the registration and become the new owner!<br>&nbsp;<br>There are many domain name registrars available on the internet, handling both international domains (e.g. .com, .net) and national domains (e.g. .co.uk, .com.au). </p> <p>However, there are also a number of questionable companies that use underhanded tactics to try and convince you to transfer your domain name to them.&nbsp; If you receive postal mail or email regarding the renewal of your domain name, contact your local Computer Troubleshooter to ensure that it is legitimate. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br><strong>Other Services</strong></p> <p>A domain name by itself is useless, much like having a street address but no building!&nbsp; To communicate with someone in your 'building' you still need a phone number for phone calls to go to and a letter box for postal mail to go into.&nbsp; Likewise, your domain name also contains details for where your website is stored and where your email needs to go. </p> <p><strong>Passwords</strong></p> <p>Your domain name registration comes with a password to allow you or your technician to alter the details of your other services mentioned above.&nbsp; It's only really needed when things do change, which makes it easy to lose!&nbsp; If your domain name has old, incorrect email addresses listed, then getting the password reset can require things like the business owner's signature on company letterhead paper.&nbsp; This tight security is in place to prevent other people from trying to reset your password and gain control of your domain name.&nbsp; Other security features include locking your domain name so it can't be transferred to another domain name registrar and hiding your contact details from public view.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>Domain names are just one component of the technology that makes your website and emails work. <br>&nbsp;<br></p> 2008-08-14T21:07:49Z -19.228 261 1445 true 15 16477 whats-in-a-name 1 2008-08-14T21:49:38Z 2008-08-14T21:49:38Z

If you have a presence on the internet (or if you are considering it) then having your own internet domain name adds to your credibility.

1 2009-02-24T09:45:33Z