Domain Name Registration
We will help you register your domain name and even provide a customized web hosting solution for your newly registered domain name.
Common question regarding Domain Name Registration:
I'd like to start my own Web site. I've looked into registering a domain name. I was looking at sites like GoDaddy.com. But I've heard you don't actually own the domain name. The registrar owns it. You simply lease it from the registrar. Is this true? I want to own my domain name outright. Can I do this?
Answer:
Starting a Web site can be confusing. There's plenty of information on how to build a pretty site. But the behind-the-scenes administration is rarely discussed. Let me start with that.
To have a site, you need both a domain name and Web host. The host is the company that actually houses your site. The actual data is put on its servers. The host also gives your site a unique IP (Internet Protocol) address. This address lets others find your site on the Web. It's something like 198.165.254.255.
The problem is, no one is going to remember that address. It's just a string of numbers and dots. You need something more recognizable, like words. That's where the domain name comes in.
"johnsoninternetmarketing.com" is an example of a domain name. That's much easier to remember. You'll connect the domain name to the IP address for your site. Visitors will put the domain name in their browsers. The computer will figure out the correct address for them. And then your site shows up on their screens.
Now, I'll crush your hopes and dreams. You can't own a domain name outright. Sorry. In fact, no one really owns domain names. That includes domain name registrars.
Confused yet? It might help to look at this from the top down.
There's a central directory of domain names and their associated IP addresses. It's run by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). Think of it as the yellow pages for the Internet. Without it, we couldn't find specific sites.
ICANN doesn't put new domain names in its directory. Domain name registrars do that. That's what you pay a registrar for. It associates a domain name with your site. And then it inserts that information into ICANN's directory.
Everyone has to go through this process. Even Google and Microsoft get their domain names through a registrar.
The registrar doesn't own specific domain names. In fact, domain names don't really exist until they're registered. I know that's weird. Just follow me for a second.
The domain name system is always present. You can create a name from any combination of letters, numbers and hyphens. As long as it's not already registered, it's yours. And you can lease a new domain name from any registrar.
So, you don't really need to worry about domain name ownership. As long as your domain name is registered, only you can use it. No one can take it from you.
Registering a domain name happens on a year-to-year basis. You can reregister your domain every year. But most registrars have multi-year bundles. You can have one registered for up to 10 years. That's the maximum set by ICANN.
You'll always have the opportunity to reregister before your lease expires. You'll only risk losing your domain name if you let it expire. If you do, someone can snatch the name.
Be sure to get a domain name from an ICANN accredited registrar. These sites are required to deliver quality service and support.
Contact Johnson Internet Marketing today for more information and pricing on Domain Name Registration.