faq: Domains
What is a domain name?
What is The "Whois" Database
What does it mean to "register" a domain name?
How long does a registration last? Can it be renewed?
What if Someone else has registered my company's name as a domain name?
What is a domain name?
Domain names are the familiar, easy to remember names for computers on the Internet (such as yourbusinessname.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. Many companies will charge over $20 for a domain name. Central Mass Web Design Inc. charges only $15 per year.
What is The "Whois" Database
The "Whois" database contains a listing of all names reserved by customers of Network Solutions (the sole authorized agent to assign www domain names - formally known as InterNic). Customers are required to give their Name, Address, and E-mail when registering. By searching the database, you can find out if a domain name has been registered and who registered it.
To check the availability of a domain name you can use the free tools a Harbor Host. Please provide a value for a domain name (such as YOURBUSINESSNAME) and select one of the extensions, (.com, .net , or .org) A query will be performed on Registration Services databases.
What does it mean to "register" a domain name?
When you register a domain name, you are inserting an entry into a directory of all the domain names and their corresponding computers on the Internet.
How long does a registration last? Can it be renewed?
Registrations can be done in one-year increments, with a total registration period limit of ten years.
What if Someone else has registered my company's name as a 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.