Domain Names and DNS - Let's go over a few of the basic principles behind domain names and 'DNS' - the Domain Name System - an Internet directory service. DNS is responsible for translating domain names to IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, and also controls email delivery.

Before You Start -There are a few basics that you should understand before signing up for hosting. The links below will help you to make an educated decision.

Right ... and that means ... ?

When someone types in a Domain Name into a web browser their Internet Service Provider's (ISPs) DNS computer looks into its cache for an IP (Internet Protocol) address associated with that domain name. If the ISP does not have an entry cached it sends a lookup query which returns the DNS location associated with the domain name back to the ISP. Once the ISP's computer finds the IP address it can access the web site.

So who keeps track of all this stuff?

There is an is an internationally organized, non-profit corporation called the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) that has responsibility for Internet Protocol (IP) address space allocation, protocol identifier assignment, generic (gTLD) and country code (ccTLD) Top-Level Domain name system management, and root server system management functions.

ICANN keeps a list of accredited domain 'registrars', such as GoDaddy, Dotster or Tucows, in each country who are authorized to enter domain names into the 'authoritative' DNS server. Domain names are registered with a these registrars and each domain name is associated with two DNS servers (your hosting provider's); a primary server and a backup server.

How do I register and set up a domain name?

Registering a domain name and 'pointing it' to a DNS server (oh no - not that stuff again!!) is a fairly straightforward process. First you must choose a registrar. Visit the 'Find a Registrar' link above. Be sure to check out a few. Domain names can be registered for anywhere between 5 and 50 dollars per year. For what it's worth, we've been using GoDaddy for years without a hitch.

OK - I have a domain name and it's set up. Now what?

Check out our Web Hosting Q & A.

Domain slamming - everyone's nightmare!

Many unscrupulous companies are sending out what appear to be domain name renewal invoices. What they are actually sending out are domain transfer requests, hoping that the unsuspecting domain name registrant will not know the difference. If you get one of these "invoices" and submit payment through their system, your domain may be transferred to another registration provider.

Is your domain really yours?

IMPORTANT: We strongly advise that *everyone* reading this page check their existing domain name information. Find out if you are listed as your domain name's rightful owner. If you have any questions about the results, do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. Don't lose your domain name to someone else!