Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 52
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Kathmandu, Nepal
    Posts
    3,982

    Post Domain Name Frequently Asked Questions Database

    Domain Name Frequently Asked Questions Database
    Note: This FAQ is NOT all encompassing. If you find any technical details missing or wrong please contact me. Also, many of the registrars listed are just the more popular registrars with the crowd here. Many others may fit the criterion, if you know of one, please email it to me with a link to the page that contains the information needed to verify whatever is being asked.
    Email: domainfaq1@ohashi.us

    General Domain Related Questions
    Q: What is the cheapest and/or best registrar (or reseller)?
    A: None. The market is always changing and defining price can vary. Some places say ‘free domain WITH widget’ and others say ‘free domain if you do such and such’ and others just claim $6 domains. Quality also varies from user’s experience. Some find an interface they like and advocate the user of a particular registrar for that reason. Some people find support to be the most important feature in domain registrars, and feedback on support quality will vary from person to person. You have to either listen to the general public and their advice or try various registrars until you find one you like.


    Q: How do I transfer my domain name?
    A: This process varies by TLD (Top Level Domain - .com/.net/.org/.biz/.us/.info/etc). The domain MUST be unlocked in any case. For .com/.net/.cc domains there is a loose process in place where the registrar requests a transfer to another registrar for a domain name. The domain name in question then needs to be authorized by the administrative contact on the domain name (this process varies from registrar to registrar). For many other TLDs the EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) process is used where an authorization key is provided with the transfer request. The entire process is seamless and fast. The transfer requires nothing more than the key, the administrative contact will not be contacted.


    Q: How do I make sure my domain is not hijacked and is safe?
    A: There is no 100% secure way to do anything online. You can take measures to make it very difficult for anything to happen such as using a strong password (long, alphanumeric passwords tend to be some of the strongest). Remember to change your password regularly. Other things that can be done to help secure the domain is to turn on ‘Registrar-Lock’ feature.


    Q: I want to sell domains online, where do I start?
    A: You need to work with a registrar or reseller of a registrar. The official registrar list can be found at http://www.internic.net/alpha.html. Look for a reseller or affiliate program to begin selling domains online. Be sure to do a lot of research about different programs before you commit yourself to one.



    Q: Where can I find a script to perform WHOIS lookups on my website?
    A: Many free scripts are available at such resources as http://www.hotscripts.com or http://www.resource-index.com.


    Q: When does a domain name ‘expire’?
    A: Domain names are leased for 1-10 years by a registrant. After they hit the expiration date listed in the whois they either enter ‘on-hold’ period or directly into the ‘Redemption Grace Period.’(RGP) The ‘on-hold’ periods means that the registrar has paid for the name and gives the owner the opportunity to renew at a low cost for up to 45 days approximately (afterwards the domain enters the Redemption Grace Period). The RGP period is a grace given by the registry to renew the domain name for a higher cost (often around $200) and lasts 30 days. If the domain is not renewed during these grace periods it enters the ‘Pending Delete’ cycle and will be deleted in 6 days for .com/.net domains and 5 days for .org domains.


    Q: What is the best way to capture an expiring domain name?
    A: Many companies and registrars offer services to catch expiring domain names. A list of some of the larger players:
    http://www.pool.com(com/net/org/info/biz/ca/co.uk/me.uk/org.uk/net.uk)
    http://www.snapnames.com(com/net/org)
    http://www.namewinner.com(com/net/org/info)
    http://www.thefirstname.com(com/net/org/info)
    http://www.dropwizard.com(com/net/org/ca/co.uk)
    http://www.godaddy.com(com/net)
    http://www.enom.com/resellers/(com/net)
    http://www.namefox.com(com/net)
    http://www.dropcatcher.com(com/net)
    http://www.detagged.co.uk(co.uk)

    There are also many other smaller catching services and the listed drop services may catch more extensions than listed. The pricing is based on bidding or first-come-first-serve basis. Prices can vary from service to service, some cost under $10, while others start at $120. If you want the domain badly enough, cover as many bases as possible.



    Q: Someone owns the domain name I want, how do I buy it/get it from them?
    A: Perform a WHOIS lookup and contact the administrative contact via email/phone/fax and ask to buy the domain name. Your other alternative is to hope they do not renew the domain name and you can have services try and capture the domain name for you the instant it expires.


    Q: Which is better: a hyphenated or unhyphenated domain name?
    A: Depending on who you ask you will get a different answer.

    The arguments against hyphens are: people do not type hyphens into domains. They carry less resale value in the aftermarket.

    The arguments advocating hyphens are: search engines sometimes rank higher with hyphenated keywords. Another popular argument is that they are easier for a user to read.

    Make your own decision based on these arguments (which can be further researched on any search engine). Another option is to register both domains and redirect one to the other.


    Q: What is the best way to find a good available domain name?
    A: One popular method of finding ‘good’ domains is checking and searching an expired domain name database. You can visit a free list at http://www.deleteddomains.com. Another popular venue is using name generators which most registrars have when you search for a domain name.


    Q: What are these .shop, .xxx, .mp3, .law, etc domain names?
    A: These are new.net domain names. They are not official domain names and cannot be seen be a large portion of the internet. Users must have their browser ‘enabled’ with a special plug-in to see new.net domain names. Some ISPs resolve new.net domains as well, but not a significant number. Most users see domain.extension.new.net (i.e. ohashi.shop.new.net) instead of a real domain (search engines also see this). A majority of users will advise you against using these domains for business due to the fact that most internet users will not be able to access your website.


    Q: What are .us.com and .uk.com domain names?
    A: These ‘domains’ are in fact subdomains being sold off to users with DNS functionality. They are not ICANN recognized, but unlike new.net domain names, they will resolve for any user.


    Q: What registrars/resellers accept PayPal?
    A: Enom.com reseller accounts can be funded by paypal. DirectI.com also accepts paypal payments. OnlineNic.com has offered paypal as a payment option now. NameCheap and RegisterFly both accept paypal but are both enom resellers, not registrars.


    Q: What is Registrar-Lock?
    A: Registrar-Lock is a status a domain can be put in. It means the domain cannot be transferred from one registrar to another.


    Q: What registrars offer free API?
    A: Enom.com, DirectI.com, ******.com, DotRegistrar.com offer free API (list not comprehensive).
    Tucows.com (OpenSRS) offers API free with an account which costs around $500.


    Q: BuyDomains.com/DomainDeluxe/UltimateSearch/NameAdminInc/etc owns the domain I want, what should I do?
    A: Pay their asking price or make an offer to them. These large companies will not sell cheap, so if they do not respond, take it as a ‘no.’ These companies are earning hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars by maintaining a strong domain portfolio, they have no reason to sell their domains for cheap.
    Last edited by Bashar; 05-21-2004 at 06:56 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Kathmandu, Nepal
    Posts
    3,982
    .ORG Specific Questions
    Q: How come I cannot register a two character (or letter) long domain that shows as available?
    A: The registration of two character .ORG domains is no longer allowed. These domains are now reserved, all currently registered two character .org domains are grandfathered and are allowed to be used and sold.



    Registrar Related Questions

    Enom Questions
    Q: What is access.enom.com?
    A: access.enom.com is essentially an interface to allow people to change settings on a domain without actually ever having control. If you buy a domain do NOT get an access.enom.com account, but make sure to have to domain name pushed to your own account. That is a common scam, but there is also a legitimate use for access.enom.com: many people need to have access to change the domain’s details.

    Q: Why are people giving away all these free accounts?
    A: Enom lets you create sub accounts that earn you commission. Using an account under someone means every time you buy a domain name they earn a small amount of money. That amount varies by reseller because some have different pricing levels.

    Q: How much does it cost to become an enom reseller?
    A: It is free, you can use the Registry-Rocket service which uses enom’s credit card processing and you do not have to make any downpayment.

    Q: What is PDQ?
    A: PDQ is a more advanced reseller script that allows more flexibility and customization for the reseller. It costs $99/year. Enom describes it as “PDQ is a full featured customizable e-commerce website. It is designed as a powerful tool to sell domain names. You give your site a name, set a color scheme, upload a logo (or not), and set the pricing. We take care of the website hosting, merchant processing and all other eNom services.”

    Q: When do I get my commission? I sold a domain but I cannot find the money anywhere.
    A: The commission you earn sits for 90 days to help cover enom from charge-backs. You can view your earnings at http://www.enom.com/resellers/CommissionAccount.asp (available under resellers-->sub-accounts-->commission account in the top menu). Once 90 days is up you can have a check made out to you or have it deposited into your account.


    Godaddy/WildWest Domains/BlueRazor Related Questions

    Q: Where can I register nameservers?
    A: Click on the domain name, then click host summary on the right, and then click register nameservers.

    Privacy/Proxy Domain Registration
    QWhere can I find private/proxy registrations for my domain names?
    http://www.alternativeidentity.com/about.htm
    https://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/faq/f...&topic=Domains
    http://www.networksolutions.com/doma.../private.jhtml
    http://www.enom.com/privacy-protecti...is-privacy.asp
    http://registerfly.com/protectfly/
    Last edited by kohashi; 02-10-2006 at 12:25 AM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Kuwait
    Posts
    10,620

    Where Can I Sell My Domain(s) Name(s)

    Q: Where can i sell my domain names?
    A: There is many places like forums and domain selling companies here is a list of places where you can sell your domain/domains at:
    Domain Name Offers and Requests at Webhostingtalk.com
    www.ebay.com
    www.afternic.com
    www.sedo.com
    www.domainsystem.com
    www.greatdomains.com
    www.tdnam.com
    Domain Specific Forums:
    www.dnforum.com
    www.domainstate.com
    www.namepros.com
    www.domaingator.com
    www.domain-chat.com
    www.domainnameforum.com


    or run a page on the domain if it has typin traffic and put

    THIS DOMAIN IS FOR SALE

    [edit] added tdnam [/edit]
    Last edited by Bashar; 03-05-2007 at 01:03 PM.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Kathmandu, Nepal
    Posts
    3,982
    nice addition Bashar.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Kuwait
    Posts
    10,620
    Thanks Buddy
    Last edited by kohashi; 04-13-2004 at 12:23 PM.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Posts
    334
    nice post

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    39
    Thanks! This is truely helpful
    Last edited by Bashar; 05-12-2004 at 03:44 AM.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Kathmandu, Nepal
    Posts
    3,982
    glad you like it NightProwler

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Greece
    Posts
    2,211
    Thank you for your post :-)
    Last edited by Bashar; 05-12-2004 at 03:45 AM.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    289
    this is awesome, great job
    Last edited by kohashi; 05-15-2004 at 10:24 PM.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Kathmandu, Nepal
    Posts
    3,982
    glad people are enjoying this. I wish more people would read it, because I think many questions asked are already answered here

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Indonesia
    Posts
    201
    I don't provide the answer just my question...

    Q: What is exactly the responsibility differences beetwen registrant, administrative contact, technical contact, and billing contact?

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Kathmandu, Nepal
    Posts
    3,982
    Administrative Contact essentially controls the domain name. The rest I don't know if they practical use. Registrant is who "owns" it, or whom it is registered for. Technical ideally would be someone who manages dns servers or hosting probably. Billing is the person/group that pays for it and should be contacted about payment for the domain. But the only one I really see any use in is Administrative. Every registrar looks there to make updates, transfers, etc.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Location
    Seattle, WA
    Posts
    3,085
    I don't think eNom supports org in their drop service anymore. I was trying to do it on one, and it wouldn't allow me to.

    BTW -- nice faq.
    Last edited by Bashar; 05-21-2004 at 06:52 PM.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Kuwait
    Posts
    10,620
    thats true, Thanks for the note

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Posts
    156
    Great post.
    Tnx.
    But, plz tell me how can I start my domain business?
    Last edited by Bashar; 09-06-2004 at 07:36 AM.

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Kuwait
    Posts
    10,620
    there is many posts about this, and you may post a new thread to discuss this issue too

  18. #18
    I could not follow the process of domain transfer. Can anyone explain it in lehman's language

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Kathmandu, Nepal
    Posts
    3,982
    Originally posted by Neo1901
    I could not follow the process of domain transfer. Can anyone explain it in lehman's language
    1. Domain is at registrar A and you want to move it to registrar B.

    2. Unlock the domain at registrar A (STATUS: ACTIVE - instead of STATUS: LOCKED which appears in the WHOIS)

    3. Go to registrar B and initiate a transfer. (pay, setup account, etc)

    4. registrar B emails administrative contact on the WHOIS asking for a confirmination that the transfer is to occur.

    5. Confirm the transfer via email and whatever other methods described in the email.

    6. Wait a bit (up to a few days) and it should transfer. On a side note, A domain cannot be transferred within 60 days of registration/transfer.
    Kevin Ohashi - Founder of ReviewSignal.com - Honest Web Hosting Reviews
    Check out my 2021 WordPress Hosting Performance Benchmarks, the most comprehensive look at WP hosting performance

  20. #20
    The best guide on net .....how come u ppl are so efficient its pleasur to be on this forumn .....

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Kathmandu, Nepal
    Posts
    3,982
    Originally posted by vagabond007
    The best guide on net .....how come u ppl are so efficient its pleasur to be on this forumn .....
    Glad you found it helpful
    Kevin Ohashi - Founder of ReviewSignal.com - Honest Web Hosting Reviews
    Check out my 2021 WordPress Hosting Performance Benchmarks, the most comprehensive look at WP hosting performance

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    21

    Nameservers

    Is this a good place to ask about Nameservers?

    I am trying to find out exactly WHO maintains the NameServer registrations. Is it ICANN or InterNic or my registrar or even multiple authorities?

    Are there rules about maintaining the nameserver entries intact when Transferring the domain they are part of?

    For example, if I have domain.abc and I register ns1.domain.abc and ns2.domain.abc, who maintains that information?

    Then if I transfer domain.abc, what happens to the nameserver registrations?

    Thanks very much!


  23. #23
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    The Kanto Plain
    Posts
    63

    A Clarification Please, Kevin

    May I please ask for a clarification, Kevin? This FAQ and answer:

    Q: How do I make sure my domain is not hijacked and is safe?
    A: There is no 100% secure way to do anything online. You can take measures to make it very difficult for anything to happen such as using a strong password (long, alphanumeric passwords tend to be some of the strongest). Remember to change your password regularly. Other things that can be done to help secure the domain is to turn on ‘Registrar-Lock’ feature.


    Is this question about site security, or the actual stealing of a domain name?

    Thank you.

    .
    People will sit up and take notice of you if you will sit up and take notice of what makes them sit up and take notice.

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Kathmandu, Nepal
    Posts
    3,982
    nameservers are managed by root servers (verisign runs them).

    as far as domain security, i am referring to the domain name being hijacked, not your website hacked. both are possible though.
    Kevin Ohashi - Founder of ReviewSignal.com - Honest Web Hosting Reviews
    Check out my 2021 WordPress Hosting Performance Benchmarks, the most comprehensive look at WP hosting performance

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    The Kanto Plain
    Posts
    63

    Thank You, but ...

    I do appreciate the response, but I am still confused. What do you mean a domain name being "hijacked"? Can't we just use the word "stolen"? So then I am wondering what the purpose is of "domain name registration" if the name can still be stolen?

    Better yet, just how could I start another site called "WebHostingTalk Forums"? That would be "hijacking/stealing" a domain name, yes?

    Thank you for the having patience with this simple country fella.
    .
    People will sit up and take notice of you if you will sit up and take notice of what makes them sit up and take notice.

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •