Webpage Sorcery

Sections

How do domain names work?

A domain name is very similar to an address forwarding service.   The domain name is the address people type in their browser to get to your Web site.   The domain name points to the "real" address of the server that contains your Web site content.   The "real" address is called the IP address and is a series of numbers,  such as 123.23.234.45.   This IP address then points to the location on the server where your Web site files are located.   Domain names are used instead of IP addresses because most people find it much easier to remember a name rather than a series of numbers.   So,  your domain name points to your IP address,  which is the location of your Web site files on a server,  and allows users all across the Internet to view your Web pages.

What is a nameserver?

Name servers are the Internet's equivalent to a phone book.   A name server maintains a directory of domain names and matching IP addresses.   The information from all the name servers across the Internet is then gathered in the Central Registry.   Host companies check in with the Central Registry on a regular schedule to get updated name server information,  which makes it possible for people across the Internet to access your Web site.

When your domain is set up,  information about your domain name is added to our name servers.   We then send that information to the Central Registry so that other name servers on the Internet may locate your Web site.

It usually takes about 24-48 hours for .COM and .NET domains and about 72 hours for all other domain extensions before name servers on other networks are able to access the information after the Central Registry gets it.   This period is referred to as the propagation period.

What does it mean to register a domain name?

The Internet domain name system (DNS) consists of a directory of all the domain names and their corresponding computers registered to particular companies and persons using the Internet.   When you register a domain name,   it will be associated with the computer on the Internet you designate during the period the registration is in effect.

Note that the above description applies to domains that are registered and hosted.   If the registrant elects to,  a domain can instead be registered and parked.   A parked domain name does not need a DNS affiliation.

If I register a domain through Webpage Sorcery Hosting,  will I be listed as its registrant?

Any public domain registration that you register through Webpage Sorcery Hosting will have your name as the registrant,  just as if you had registered it through any other ICANN certified Registrar like Network Solutions/Verisign,  Register.com,  or any other other competitors.   You will be able to alter all four contact fields for the domain at will,  alter its name servers,  or use the domain to register your own name servers.   We do not charge for any of these services (although the Registrar will),  giving you the freedom to do with your domain,  as you want,  when you want.

Can I register a domain without having a hosting provider yet?

Yes,  you can register as many domains names as you'd like and choose to have them parked until you have found a hosting provider.   To do so,  register a domain name and select "Parking."   If this option is chosen,  a Parked Page will be displayed while you finish creating your site,  sell the domain,  etc.   The temporary site will inform anyone passing by that this is the future location of your site.   The temporary site will be active 24-48 hours for .COM and .NET domains and about 72 hours for all other domain extensions after you have completed the registration.

What is a second-level domain (SLD)?

Located immediately to the left of the dot (" . "),  the second-level domain is the "readable" part of the domain name.   The second-level domain is entirely defined by the registrant,  and often refers to the organization or entity associated with the IP address.   For example: In www.mycompany.com "mycompany" (My Company Inc.) is a second-level domain.

Second-level domains can be divided into further domain levels.   For example: www.bigwheels.mycompany.com is a third-level domain.  These sub domains sometimes represent different computer servers within departments.   More than one second-level or third level domain name can be used for the same IP address.   In fact some of our hosting plans allow you an unlimited number of third-level domain names as long as the files on them fit within the allotted web space you purchased.  But don't worry, you can always purchase more space if needed.

What is a top-level domain (TLD)?

A top-level domain is the part of the domain name located to the right of the dot (" . ").   The most common TLDs are .com,  .net and .org.   Several new top-level domains have been added to the menu recently,  including,  .biz,  .info,  .name,  and .ws.   The top-level domains have certain guidelines attached,  but are for the most part available to any registrant,  anywhere in the world.   Exceptions are the restricted TLDs (rTLDs) -- which include .aero,  .biz,  .edu,  .mil,  .museum,  .name,  and .pro -- that require the registrant to represent a certain type of entity,  or to belong to a certain community.   The .name TLD is available strictly for individuals,  while .edu is reserved for educational entities,  such as universities or high schools.   Where appropriate,  a top-level domain name can be of geographic significance and hence only available to registrants in the locale defined by the TLD.   These are called country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) and include such top-level domains as .bz (Belize),  .ca (Canada),  .de (Germany), .dk (Denmark),  .ec (Ecuador),  .ie (Republic of Ireland),  .jp (Japan),  .uk (United Kingdom),   .us (United States),  and .zw (Zimbabwe).

Where can I find out what all those technical terms mean when I register my domain?

You can find many of those terms explained here.

What if my domain name is the same as a trademarked name?

Generally,  if you've registered the name in good faith and it is not associated with an internationally known company and you can show that you have a legitimate reason to use that name,  then you are likely to be able to keep that name.   That may not be the case if it can be shown that you purchased the name for the express purpose of re-selling it to a company with a legitimate claim to the name.

We cannot advise you on whether or not the domain you wish to register or have registered,  will be infringing on any existing trademark rights.   If you have concerns about trademark issues,  you may wish to consult a trademark lawyer or search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database.

I have a Trademark dispute.   What can I do?

Unfortunately,  we cannot make any changes to the registrant fields without a legal change of ownership or a court order or an order by WIPO.

If you feel that you are the rightful owner of the domain name,  please contact the registrant of the domain name.   If you are unable to find a satisfactory solution with the current registrant,  you will need to settle the issue with a court order.   We do not get involved in domain disputes.   We cannot make changes to a registrant field without a legal change of ownership or a court order.

Discrepancies with trademark or rightful ownership are handled by WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization).   The email is domain.disputes@wipo.int.   If a domain name is under a dispute,  the domain name will be locked once we are notified by WIPO.   It cannot be modified or transferred to another registrar.   Once we receive a court or WIPO ruling we update the domain name accordingly.

Our Registrar Service

What is a registrar?

Companies that register domain names with central record-keeping organizations used by the whole Internet.   There used to be only one:  Network Solutions,  which changed its name to NetSol after Verisign bought them out.   In 1999,  the international organization ICANN assumed control of registration,  opening it up to competition and there are now dozens of registrars,  as well as resellers of domain registration services.

How can I find out where I am registered?

It can be confusing.   Your domain might have been registered on your behalf by an ISP,  by your previous host,  by a web designer that did work on the site for you,  or by a registrar that has since been bought up by someone else.   You've heard horror stories,  but most registrations are simple and problem-free.

Do a WHOIS lookup for your domain name and the registrar will be displayed.   For results with no ads,  try our domain search on the left panel.

What domain registrar does Webpage Sorcery Hosting use?

We use Domain Discount Registry which offers one of the lowest registration rates available -- $14.99 per year.  Besides offering the best customer service we have found,   they offer many FREE extras,  which include:

• FREE Unlimited Cloaked and Uncloaked Domain and IP Forwarding
• FREE Unlimited Email Forwarding
• FREE Unlimited Domain Parking and Domain For Sale Page
• FREE Unlimited Subdomain Forwarding
• FREE Site Promotion Tools
• FREE Web Site Building Software
• FREE Advanced DNS Management
• Free Advanced Domain Control panel
• FREE Domain Locking
• FREE 24/7 Awesome Tech Support
• FREE Instant Real Time Domain Updates
• NO Hidden Fees
• NO Setup or Monthly Fees
• NO Gimmicks or Catches

What happens to my domain if Discount Domain Registry goes out of business?

While they have been in business ever since the domain industry became open to everyone and have been growing ever since,  your domain registration is totally secure.    The registrar,  Tucows,  will assume responsibility in case we do not exist and refer you to alternative registration service providers for domain renewal and support.  your domain registration is totally secure.   The registrar,  Tucows,  will assume responsibility in case they do not exist and refer you to alternative registration service providers for domain renewal and support.

What are the four official domain contacts?

* Organization Contact - this is the company or entity who owns the domain name.   Change company or registrant information here.   This field is shown at the top of WHOIS and is also called the Registrant field or the Owner field.

* Admin Contact - this is the only person allowed to make changes to the domain.   Ensure this Email address is always kept up-to-date.   This is also the address to which a lost login/password will be sent when you use the "retrieve password" form.

* Billing Contact - this is the contact responsible for billing issues with regard to this domain's registration.   All renewal information,  such as renewal notices and renewal confirmation,  will be sent to this address.   This is the only contact whose info is not displayed upon a whois lookup for .com or .net domain.

* Technical Contact - this is the person who is responsible for Web hosting,  mail,  and other DNS issues.   However,  unless they are granted access by the Admin Contact,  they have no authority to make any changes.   By default,  Webpage Sorcery will be listed as the Technical Contact for your domain.   You are free to change this at any time.

More Answers About Your Domain

Who owns the domain name?

As the customer you are the sole owner of a domain name registered with the registrar as long as you are listed as the owner.

When you register a domain name you should list yourself as the "registrant/owner".   If you have someone else register a domain name for you,  make sure that they list you as the owner.   If the other party is a web host or web design firm,  they should list themselves as the administrator and you as the owner.

If you are NOT listed as the owner,  then you are not legally the owner of the domain name.   You will then have to consult the party listed as the owner or administrator and secure their cooperation in changing contact info over to you.

What kind of characters can the domain name contain and how long can it be?

A domain name can contain any alphanumeric character,  up to 63 characters,  excluding the TLD (Top Level Domain).   The hyphen is allowed anywhere within the domain,  but not as the first or last character.   Domain names are not case sensitive.   This means that if you register myNAME.com it is the same as registering myname.com.

Who has the right to manage the domain?

The Administrative Contact on record for the domain,  as specified by the registrant during the registration process,  has the right to make DNS and contact changes for the domain.   Technically,  anyone who knows the username and password is able to log in to the registraar's website and make changes.   Therefore,  we strongly urge you to keep the password secure.   Only the owner and admin should know the password.

I misspelled the name during registration.   Can I make a correction to the spelling?

Since registrations are done in real time,  they can usually not change the domain spelling once it is registered.   We suggest you try to sell it,   if you don't want to use it,  or have it forwarded to a valid URL of your choice (using Domain Forwarding in your Control Panel).   If you notice the spelling mistake within 24 hours of the registration,  however,  contact your registrar immediately and they will ATTEMPT to cancel the registration and if successful will issue a refund.   This is not a guarantee,  though,  and it might not work if they are closed at the time (such as on weekends and legal holidays).

What is a Domain Transfer?

A "Domain transfer" refers to a registrar transfer,  resulting in a change to the registrar of record of the domain.   Practically speaking,  the new registrar is now responsible for marinating the registration and propagating the NS (name server) record for the domain,  so that people can access various domain-dependent resources and functions throughout the Internet.

How much does a Domain Transfer cost through Webpage Sorcery Hosting?

The Domain Transfer fee is $14.99 and it includes the domain registration extension for an additional year,  free of charge.   If your domain expiration date is currently 8/22/03,  it will be 8/22/04 after it is transferred to Domain Discount Registry.

How do I place a Transfer order?

Visit the Transfer Page to place a transfer order.   Review all transfer procedures and guidelines on that page carefully before placing your order.

What five things must I verify before placing the transfer order?

1. You must have access to the Admin contact e-mail address listed for your domain in your current registrar's WHOIS database.   You may verify this by submitting a whois query through the Transfer page.   We send a Transfer Verification e-mail message to the admin contact soon after the order is placed.   We cannot proceed with the transfer if we do not get approval from the admin contact.   If the admin contact for your domain is inaccurate,  have that updated with your current registrar first.
2. The domain you are transferring to us cannot be expired,  on "hold" or otherwise suspended by your current registrar.   You are able to check the domain expiration date by submitting a whois query through the Transfer page.   If any of these situations exist,  please have them resolved first by contacting your current registrar.
3. You cannot transfer a domain that has been registered with its current registrar for less than sixty days.
4. The domain cannot be "locked" (protected) by its current registrar.   This is a special flag at the registry level preventing a registrar transfer.   If the domain is locked,  it will usually be indicated in the WHOIS.
5. If you are transferring a domain that has the .info or .biz TLD,  you must obtain the "auth code" (authorization code) first from the current registrar.   The biz and info registries use the auth code as a means to authenticate registrar transfers and require all registrars to provide the "auth code" to their registrants,  upon request.

Will my domain go down while it is being transferred?

No.   The transfer process has been designed so that no DNS records can be changed while the transfer is made.   All name server and DNS records will remain the same.