Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) on Domain Names & InterNICThe following is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the domain name's and the new competitive registration environment. It is expected that this list will be updated frequently, so please check back often. What is a domain name? Domain names are the familiar, easy to remember names for computers on the Internet (such as high-techproductions.com). 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. How many characters (letters & numbers) can a domain name be? Domain names can be up to 26 characters long. 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. How can I get a domain name in .com, .net or .org? When High-Tech Productions builds a web site for you, we will aquire the domain name of your choice providing it is avaiable. Domain names with .com, .net or .org can be registered at the time we receive your signed contract and payment. 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 contact information. "InterNic" 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 find your web site. Will my name and contact information be publicly available? Yes. Information about Domain Names is publicly available to allow rapid resolution of technical problems and to permit enforcement of consumer protection, trademark, and other laws. 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. How much does a domain-name registration name cost? Currently, the cost to register a Domain Name is $75.00 for the first 2 years. Thereafter, the cost is $35.00 per year. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Home | Web Site Design & Hosting | Music & Sound on your Site Web Site Promotion & Search Engine Registration . |