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Domain Name FAQ


What is a domain name?
Why would I want a domain name?
Is a domain name the same as a URL?
Can I get any domain name I want?
How should I choose my domain name?
What if the domain name I want is already taken?
Do I have to use a name that ends in .com?
Should I register more than one domain name?
What is Internic/Network Solutions?
How long does it take to register the domain name?
Can Central Ridge help me with the domain registration?

What is a domain name?
A domain name is a name that you choose as your Web address. People type it into their Web browsers to get to your Web site. It is your own, personal Web address. For example, centralridge.com is a registered domain for Central Ridge.

Why would I want a domain name?
Any business that wants to do business on the Internet needs a domain name. A domain name identifies your business and reinforces its branding, much as your company name and slogan do. Your domain name further functions as an easy way for your customers (and potential customers) to find your companys Web site.

Is a domain name the same as a URL?
Not exactly. But a domain name is at the core of every URL, the unique web address that locates every website. The URL for the Central Ridge website is http://www.centralridge.com. The centralridge.com part is the domain name.

Can I get any domain name I want?
No. Domain names are unique, and many names are already taken. Thats why, if you think you might want one, you should get one fast, while you have more options.

How should I choose my domain name?
Thats up to you. Most established companies prefer to have a domain name that mirrors their company name, like ibm.com, disney.com, or nike.com. Often companies get a domain name that coincides with one of its main products, like Coca-Cola did by registering coke.com. If possible, companies and organizations also like to register generic names or keywords that relate to what they do. The Chicago Architecture Foundation, for instance, is located online at architecture.com.

What if the domain name I want is already taken?
If you search for a name and it is already taken, try searching for variations of the name. Try lengthening or shortening it. Try using synonyms. Try hyphenating words if you have a two- or three-word name. Try searching for the same name with a .net suffix.

Do I have to use a name that ends in .com?
No. You can also register names that end in .net or .org. Originally, these endings were reserved for computer networks and nonprofit organizations, respectively. And, though that is still their primary purpose, many companies are now registering the same name in .com, .net, and .org to fully protect their corporate identities. And companies whose names are not available ending in .com are turning to the .net and .org suffixes rather than get a domain that doesnt match their name.

Should I register more than one domain name?
Many companies are now registering the same name in .com , .net , and .org to fully protect their corporate identities. It is possible that if you have a successful Web site, a competitor could create a similar Web site with the same name ending in .net or .org and confuse some of your customers.

What is InterNIC/Network Solutions?
Network Solutions is the name of the company that operates the InterNIC, the service that provides domain name registration for .net , .org , .edu , and .gov domains and IP addresses. This company is responsible for keeping track of which domain names are available and which are taken.

How long does it take to register the domain name?
Your domain name is usually active within 48 hours of submitting the request.

Can Central Ridge help me with the domain registration?
Yes, we'll take care of everything for you the InterNIC application to register your domain name and we'll set up the routing for your account.




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