DOMAIN NAMES 101
Discovering the Process of Acquiring a Domain Name.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll gain insights into the various components of a domain name, delve into the mechanics and governance of the domain name system, and uncover methods for locating your desired domain while adhering to essential regulations
Demystifying Domain Names
Every website needs an address, known as an IP address, to be found and accessed on the internet. IP addresses are represented as four numbers, each ranging from 0 to 255, for instance, 37.60.252.61.
To simplify the process of accessing websites, domain names were introduced. These names provide a human-readable alternative to lengthy strings of numbers. When you type a domain name into your browser, it directs you to the associated IP address, taking you to the desired website.
Domain names consist of various components, each serving a distinct purpose. Let’s dissect them:
Components of a Domain Name
Top-Level Domain (TLD):
This is the .com, .org, .net, etc., located at the end of a domain name. There are numerous TLDs, allowing for creative options like .restaurant.eat or .shop.
Second-Level Domain (SLD):
This is the primary domain name you select when registering, such as https://cheapcooldomains.com/
Subdomain:
Consider this as a subsection of your domain, typically representing pages or sections within your website. For example, ‘register’ in register.www.cheap-domainregistration.com.
Now that we grasp the concept of domain names, let’s explore how your browser finds the intended website using the Domain Name System (DNS).
The Domain Name System (DNS)
DNS serves as the internet’s ‘phone book,’ converting name-based searches into IP-based addresses. Instead of entering IP addresses, like 37.60.252.61, users input user-friendly domain names, such as yourwebsite.com.
Your browser needs to consult the ‘address book’ of IP addresses to locate the website. It begins with the TLD, such as .com, then proceeds to search the list of .com domain names. Once found, it directs you to the corresponding IP address.
Without DNS, users would need to manually enter IP addresses each time they visited a website.
While some registrars charge for DNS services, CCD includes it with domain registration.
So, who oversees the management of IP addresses and domains?
How Domains are Controlled and Operated
ICANN
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) primarily governs domains. ICANN manages and coordinates IP addresses, delegating significant responsibilities to registry operators.
Registry Operators
Registry operators maintain the registry, containing specific TLDs within defined parameters. For instance, VeriSign controls the registry encompassing all .com and .net TLDs.
Registry operators administer the list of TLDs but do not register domain names. That task falls to registrars.
Registrar
Registrars, like GoDaddy, NameCheap, and Cheap-DomainRegistration, have the authority to sell and distribute domain names.
The process typically unfolds as follows:
- You purchase a domain name from a registrar.
- The registrar pays a fee to the registry operator, and your domain is added to the registry.
- You now own the domain.
However, to acquire the domain you desire, it must be available.
Using WHOIS to Find the Domain You Want
The WHOIS database houses information on all registered domains. By searching it, you can ascertain the availability of your desired domain. If the domain is already taken, you can use the information in the database to contact the owner regarding a potential purchase.
Several methods exist for searching WHOIS, including our dedicated WHOIS search engine.
Before using any WHOIS lookup, there are critical factors to consider, as they can impact on your budget.
What to Know Before Purchasing Your Domain
While CCD prioritizes transparency, other registrars may employ less straightforward practices, particularly regarding pricing.
Many companies advertise enticing introductory rates, potentially concealing future price hikes. Similar to some cable providers, they may not explicitly inform you of escalating fees or attempt to sell costly add-ons.
When comparing prices among registrars, ensure they do not employ these tactics:
Mandatory second-year registration at a significantly higher cost.
Offering pricier additional products.
Advertising a low first-year rate with automatic renewal at a higher second-year rate.
These practices differ from C-CD’s commitment to fair pricing, avoiding unexpected surges. Over time, our pricing typically remains more competitive than even leading domain registrars.
Remember, have a clear idea of your desired domain name before initiating a search. It should be straightforward and easy to remember. A useful test is to pronounce it aloud and check if it’s easily spelled.
Guidelines for Selecting Your Domain
No spaces: Domain names cannot contain spaces.
Case insensitivity: Domain names are not case-sensitive; all characters are displayed in lowercase.
Character limit: Domain names must not exceed 63 characters, excluding the TLD.
No special characters: While hyphens, underscores, and numbers are allowed, special characters like #, %, *, @, etc., cannot be used. Additionally, a domain name cannot commence or conclude with a hyphen, and consecutive hyphens are not permitted.
Purchasing Your Domain
Bulk Domain Purchases:
These are common due to the cost-effectiveness of acquiring multiple domains simultaneously. Bulk purchases often lead to savings and offer benefits like domain forwarding and competitive positioning.
Private Domain Registration:
Generally, when you purchase a domain from a registrar, your personal information, including name, address, and phone number, is publicly available. Spammers may exploit this information for unsolicited communication. Private domain registration shields your data by substituting proxy contact information. You retain privacy while still permitting legitimate entities to reach out.
What's Next: After Domain Acquisition
Once you’ve secured your domain name and IP address, you’ll require hosting for your website. Web hosting offers a variety of plans and options tailored to different needs. To explore web hosting further, visit our Web Hosting 101 page.
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Explore numerous domain options tailored to your unique concept, and elevate your web address into something truly memorable
FAQ
A domain is the name you give to your website’s location, making it easy for people to find.
The Domain Name System is like the internet’s phonebook. You enter the name (website) you want to find, and it directs you to the address.
Yes! Websites like Freenom.com offer free domain registrations, but they come with limitations. You can use only less common TLDs like .tk, .ml, .ga, .cf, and .gq. Renewals aren’t automatic, and content restrictions apply (no weapons, gambling, domain parking, etc.). Use it at your own discretion and note that reviews aren’t always favorable
Registry operators are domain name wholesalers. When you buy a domain, you’re technically purchasing from the registry operator, but through a registrar.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) delegates domain tracking to registry operators, who maintain directories based on Top-Level Domains (.com, .org, etc.) or alphabetical root names.
Check the WHOIS for owner contact info and expiration date. You can wait until it expires to try buying it or contact the owner to make an offer. Alternatively, consider a different, similar domain name
Domains can be renewed for up to 10 years, but annual renewals are common. This practice ensures a steady income for registry operators, keeps the pool of available domains fresh, and prevents the need to resort to numeric addresses.