What is a domain name?
A unique name that identifies a website (this site uses the domain thewebstuff.com). The Internet’s domain-name system (DNS) allows users to name web sites and other resources rather than having to remember the all-numeric IP addresses (such as “205.188.208.41″) assigned to each computer on the Internet.
How should I select a domain name?
Selecting a domain name is actually pretty simple. Find an available name and buy it. But, selecting a good domain name requires a bit of thought. Dot com’s (yourdomainname.com) have more value than dot net or the rest of extensions available. If you are a non-profit, you will want a dot org. If your company name is available with dot com, then that is a good buy. Shorter domain names are more memorable than long domain names.
Where can I see what domain names are available?
Searching domain names one at a time is tedious. There are some online tools and options that will help. You can search 10 names at a time at Network Solutions. My favorite domain search tool is the Instant Domain Search which checks the availability of .net, .com, and .org domain name availability. They also allow encryption of your search, in case you fear that someone will take your domain before you get around to it. Instant Domain Search is fun and fast!
Where can I see who owns a domain name?
Network Solutions hosts the official whois tool. An alternative with a few more features is WhoIs Source. Verio lets you search many international extensions and deleted domains at Whois.net, you can also search by keyword.
Where can I buy a domain name?
There are many domain name resellers, also called Registrars.
My favorite is www.GoDaddy.com
They have good prices and a good reputation. I have personally used them for thousands of domains over 15 years for myself and for clients. I should warn you that their interface for buying is clunky and filled with ads. Still, they are the best at managing, servicing and protecting your domain name. Founded in 1997, www.GoDaddy.com
is now the largest domain name registrar, managing over 36 million domain names.
What is Domain Status?
Active (1-10 years) – You can purchase a domain name for 1 – 10 years. Most people purchase domains for one or two year terms and then can renew at the end of that term. Save the administrative hassles and purchase 5 years on any domains that you actually use.
On Hold (1-45 days) – When the subscription period expires, the registrar typically sends a delete command to the registry. The domain could continue to operate for 1 to 45 days depending upon the registrar and other factors. The domain is still in the Shared Registry System (SRS) during this time.
Redemption Grace Period (30 days) – After the “on hold” period, the domain name is held in the registry for 30 days during the Redemption Grace Period. At this point, the general public cannot purchase the name and the Web site no longer operates. The oroginal owner has this grace period to renew the domain name.
Deletion (5 days) – After the final deletion command is sent, there may be 5 additional days where the domain remains in the Shared Registry System and can be purchased by the original owner.
Available – The name is released for purchase by the general public, normally on a first come, first served basis.
Tiny URL Utilities
Tiny URL : Creates a tiny URL that will not break in email postings and never expires.
Tiny.cc : Shrinks your long URL and allows you to customize tiny links by keyword and provides traffic statistics.
bit.ly : Shorten your URL and if you sign up for the free account, you can track statistics real-time.