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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
Glossary explains many of the terms mentioned below.
- 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
domain 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 (domain)
.com on the end is not unique as you can also 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 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 already 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 much 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 example, our company name is Cyberfire.uk.com
and my matching email address is lee@cyberfire.uk.com.
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 website 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 domain 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 domain, it really depends on what is available. If
your website is online, it doesn't matter what domain 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 easily 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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