|
What is a domain name?
Domain names are the familiar, easy to
remember names for computers on the Internet (such as internic.net).
They correspond to a series of numbers (called Internet Protocol
numbers) that serve as routing addresses on the Internet. Domain
names are used generally as a convenient way of locating information
and reaching others on the Internet.
Back to top
What does it mean to
"register" a domain name?
The Internet domain name system (DNS) consists
of a directory, organized hierarchically, of all the domain names
and their corresponding computers registered to particular companies
and persons using the Internet. When you register a domain name,
it will be associated with the computer on the Internet you designate
during the period the registration is in effect.
Back to top
How can I get a domain
name in .com, .net or .org?
Domain names ending with .com, .net or
.org can be registered through many different companies (known as
"registrars") that compete with one another. An alphabetical listing
of these companies appears in the Registrar
Directory . BuildersPlanet.com registers domains through Network
Solutions.
Back to top
Can I choose the registrar
I want to register a domain name for my web site?
Yes. You may choose any of the listed registrars.
Back to top
What is involved in registering a domain
name in .com, .net or .org?
To register a domain name, you will be
asked to provide the registrar you select with the various contact
and technical information that makes up the registration. The registrar
will then keep records of the contact information and submit the
technical information to a central directory known as the "registry."
This registry provides other computers on the Internet the information
necessary to send you e-mail or to find your web site. You will
also be required to enter a registration contract with the registrar,
which sets forth the terms under which your registration is accepted
and will be maintained.
Back to top
What is the process for submitting the
required registration information?
Different registrars offer different means
of submitting the information. Most registrars offer web-based registration
services. Some offer registrations by telephone or mail. Many will
work with your ISP to obtain the required information. You should
go to the individual registrar's web site or otherwise contact it
to determine the process it follows.
Back to top
Will my name and contact information
be publicly available?
Yes. 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.
Back to top
How long does a registration last? Can
it be renewed?
Currently, the initial registration period
is two years. Existing registrations can be renewed one year at
a time. Beginning January 15, 2000, each registrar will have the
flexibility to offer initial and renewal registrations in one-year
increments, with a total registration period limit of ten years.
Back to top
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. BuildersPlanet.com registers through Network Solutions
which currently charges a $35 per year fee. This fee is completly
seperate from any fees charged by BuildersPlanet.com. There are
less expensive alternative registrars but we have not found them
to be as reliable.
Back to top
When do I have to pay for my domain
name?
Before your domain name becomes active,
you must provide a credit card number or other reasonable assurance
of payment. This requirement enhances the availability of domain
names by preventing them from being tied up by persons not intending
to pay for registration.
Back to top
Can I change registrars after registering
a domain name?
Yes, you may change the registrar sponsoring
your domain name at any time more than sixty days after initial
registration. For details on the transfer process, contact the registrar
you would like to assume sponsorship of the registration.
Back to top
I have seen advertisements for domain-name
registration by companies not in the accredited registrar directory.
Are these legitimate?
Only registrars accredited by the Internet
Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) are authorized
to register .com, .net and .org names in the registry. Some of these
accredited registrars offer their services through resellers, which
may provide assistance in completing the registration process. Your
registration contract, however, will be with the accredited registrar
and that registrar will maintain your contact information.
Back to top
What is ICANN?
ICANN is the new non-profit corporation
that is assuming responsibility from the U.S. Government for coordinating
certain Internet technical functions, including the management of
Internet domain name system. More information about ICANN can be
found at http://www.icann.org/.
Back to top
Someone else has registered by company's
name as a .com 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 http://www.icann.org/udrp/approved-providers.htm.
For more details on the uniform dispute resolution policy, see http://www.icann.org/udrp/udrp.htm.
Back to top
If I have customer service questions
or problems related to my domain name registration, who should I
contact?
You should contact the particular registrar
that registered your domain name.
Back to top
What are the rules for registration
of .net and .org names?
They are the same as for .com. Traditionally,
however, names in .net have been used by organizations involved
in Internet infrastructure activities and .org is frequently used
by not-for-profit organizations.
Back to top
Are .com, .net, and .org domain names
available for registration on a global basis?
Yes. The .com, .net, and .org domains are
available for registration by Internet users across the globe. ICANN-accredited
domain name registrars are also located in various countries around
the world. To view a list of domain name registrars by country,
click here.
Back to top
I've seen domain names ending with two-letter
combinations, like .uk. What are the rules for registering in these
domains?
Two letter domains, such as .uk, .de and
.jp (for example), are called country code top level domains (ccTLDs)
and correspond to a country, territory, or other geographic location.
The rules and policies for registering domain names in the ccTLDs
vary significantly and some are reserved for use by citizens of
the corresponding country. You should check with the registrar offering
ccTLD registration services regarding the specific terms and conditions
for registration.
Some ICANN-accredited registrars provide
registration services in the ccTLDs in addition to registering names
in .com, .net and .org, however, ICANN does not specifically accredit
registrars to provide ccTLD registration services.
Back to top
Is the "InterNIC" synonymous with Network
Solutions, Inc.?
No. The InterNIC is a concept for an integrated
network information center that was developed by several companies,
including Network Solutions, in cooperation with the U.S. Government.
Under a recent agreement with the U.S.
Government, Network Solutions is transitioning from the use of the
word "InterNIC" in connection with its products and services. InterNIC
is a registered service mark of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Back to top
I would like more information on U.S.
Government's role in Internet domain name system management. Where
should I go?
Information regarding the United States
Government's efforts to privatize the management of the domain name
system and increase competition in domain name registration services
is available at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/.
|
