Domain Name Registration
What is a domain name?
Computers connected to the Internet have unique numerical addresses so that electronic information is delivered to the right place. The domain name system (DNS) translates the numerical addresses of computers into more user-friendly names. The resulting domain names are easy to recall and help people to find information on the Internet.
Domain names are used to identify both websites and e-mail addresses. For example, if your domain name is joebloggs.com:
Your website address will be http://www.joebloggs.com.
Your e-mail address will be user@joebloggs.com (the name in front of the '@' sign can be chosen by you to direct mail to specific users, eg joe@joebloggs.com, info@joebloggs.com, etc.
Why should I register a domain name and how do I choose one?
Your domain name will be your exclusive address for your website and e-mail addresses. You ideally therefore want a name that is relevant, not too long, not likely to be commonly misspelt and is fairly easy to remember. If you have not already done so, it is vital you secure your own unique domain name. There are three aspects to choosing a domain name:
- The choice of top level domain - such as .uk, .com, .org, .net, .biz, .info, .co, .me
- The choice of second level domain - such as .co.uk, .plc.uk, .ltd.uk, .org.uk
- The name itself - such as bbc.co.uk, bloggs.com. You can choose either to use the name of your business, eg bloggs.com or you may prefer to use a domain that describes the services you offer, eg designerclothing.co.uk. Specific rules apply to the registration of each top and second level domain, so contact us if your are unsure. General domain naming rules are shown at the foot of this page.
Domain Naming Rules
Domains must contain only letters, number and hyphens(-). No spaces are allowed. Cannot begin or end with a dash. Furthermore, certain domains have other rules relating to minimum number of characters, or for country-related domains sometimes your business is required to be registered in that country.
If you would like us to order a domain name, check availability of a name for you, or if you need guidance in selecting the appropriate domain name, contact us and we'll get back to you at our earliest opportunity.