Cyberfire.uk.com: Frequently Asked Questions.

FAQ's

This page contains the most commonly asked questions regarding the internet and Web. The links take you directly to that question or just scroll down the page. The words in bold type are explained in the Glossary.

What is the World Wide Web?
So what is a website?
And what is a domain name?
Why do I need a domain name?
How do I register a domain name?
What can I do with my registered name?
Can I transfer the name to my own ISP?
Which extension is best .COM or .CO.UK etc.?
Do I need an internet account/web space to own a domain name?

1: What is the World Wide Web?
The WWW is a collection of host computers (called servers) all over the world that are constantly online and connected together like a massive database. The client (you) can retrieve information from that database which is displayed on your computer screen through a browser. The browser converts the information into a readable format. This format is usually referred to as a webpage which inturn forms part of a website. Netscape and Internet Explorer are two of the most popular browsers today.
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2: So what is a website?
A website is a collection of webpages that contains information that can be about absolutely anything. You are looking at my website at the moment. Your browser has displayed this page (hopefully) as I have designed it to look on any computer anywhere in the world that can connect to the internet. Many businesses are going 'online' to capture a whole new market of customers, or to make buying products a lot more convenient. There are bookstores, computer stores and catalogues which sell products over the internet via their website. Websites can contain personal pages about you, your hobbies, anything. There are no limits.
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3: And what is a domain name?
A domain name is a user-friendly address by which a website on a particular server can be found. The majority of web addresses look like: www.the-company-name.com. The (extension) .com on the end is not unique as you can have: .co.uk, .org, .net, plc.uk as well as many others. Internet Service Providers (ISP's) often provide free webspace with email accounts, but you end up with an unintuitive (domain) address like: www2.your-isp-name.co.uk/users/yourname. Hardly trips off the tongue does it?
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4: Why do I need a domain name?
A domain name will show you have internet presence whether it be a business website or personal website. A registered domain name is yours forever so long as you keep renewing the fee every two years. As most of the world is now gearing up towards the internet, it's a safe bet that good names will begin to run out. So, think of a good name for yourself and get it registered. You don't have to use it straight away as you can keep it on hold (parked) until you're ready to use it.

An Example to consider: If your business is called Cars 4 Sale, but cars4sale.com has been registered, you could always use cars4sale.co.uk, cars4sale.uk.com or cars4sale.org etc,.

Perhaps you have a hobby and would like to share it with like-minded people. Using the internet is one way of getting in touch with millions of people. A website is your electronic magazine. A good name and search criteria embedded into your web page will make finding your site a lot easier.
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5: How do I register a domain name?
I can arrange this for you as part of the service, but you need to keep in mind the following:

Make a list of names in the order of priority you want them, as your first choice may be taken.
What extension you want: .com, .net and .org for example are more expensive than co.uk.
Whether or not you want your domain name directed to your free webspace or for another company to host your website.

To register a domain name a company contacts the naming body, i.e, Nominet for UK names, and pays them a registration fee on your behalf. They make sure that your chosen name is available and then the company will charge you an initial set-up fee for registering the name and also a payment for the name itself which is paid two years in advance.

Other addresses to check availability and further information.

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6: What can I do with my registered name?
Once your domain name is registered you can add that professional touch to your website by having matching email addresses. For this to work however you need to have an email account set up with an Internet Service Provider. For example, my company name is Cyberfire.uk.com and my email address is lee@cyberfire.uk.com. My cyberfire email address is actually forwarded to a private email address such as lee@virgin.net or lee@demon.com etc.

Another professional touch is to add your domain name and email addresses on all your stationary and advertising material. Your name is as important as a logo or corporate identity, so get it right because this is what clients are going to remember you by.
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7: Can I transfer the name to my own ISP?
If your ISP has free web space, you can have your domain name forwarded to your free web space address. Check with the different companies mentioned earlier (or we'll do it for you) about web forwarding. Web forwarding simply means that when your domain address is activated in the browser, the browser is actually directed to the server on which your web site resides. You can either use the free web space most providers (ISP’s) offer or have your site properly hosted.
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8: Which extension is best .COM or .CO.UK etc.?
Originally .com was associated with American companies but not so much now. The other benefit with .com is that it's not obvious where in the world you are. There is no good or bad extension, it really depends on what is available. If your website is online, it doesn't matter what extension you have, you'll be found.

However a .co.uk is specific to the UK as is .uk.com and many others. Even though the UK extensions are based in the UK, the whole world can still find your site as they would with .com.
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9: Do I need an internet account/web space to own a domain name?
No. All you need is a name that has not already been issued. Once the name is registered to you it will be safe for a long as you pay the registration fee every two years.
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