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 charges only $15 per year.
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.
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.
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