Monday, April 20, 2009

Domain Name Auction

Using a domain name auction can be a great way for a business person to either acquire or sell a web address. These websites are a marketplace of domain names with a huge variety of options set at various minimum prices. With the Internet growing at warp speed, just about every type of business needs to have its own website. Even individuals, nonprofits, government entities, schools, and so many others are logging on to the web and maintaining a website. Suddenly, domain names are a big business, and these auction web address site owners know it. They allow people the opportunity to register web titles, buy them, or sell them. The marketplaces make money by charging small fees for parking domains or auctioning them off. Since this is a booming market, there are many auctioning sites to choose from. At one time or another, anyone could be registering, buying, or selling a name, so it's best to choose one company that can handle all aspects of this growing market.

Picture a budding, young artist who wants to create a website for her art. She has some ideas for web addresses, but she has no experience with starting a website or using a domain name auction site. The first step is very basic: hop on the Internet and type in some address ideas. Her first idea leads to a page with links on it that says something to the effect of "this page is parked by..." and a company name. This means that the address has already been registered by someone else. This person or company isn't yet using the site. The owner may be in the process of establishing a provider for the site, or he will plan to sell. To find out a little something more, by click on the link to the company that's parking the name. This company will say if the name is available for bidding or purchasing. This name isn't so the artist moves on to a second option. This address leads to an error page. This name hasn't been registered at all, and now she can choose a website to register and park it. 

Parking a domain, or cash parking, with an auction web address site has more benefits than just holding and protecting the name. This will buy this artist a little more time while she finds a provider for her website's bandwidth and a site designer. She doesn't have to rush into establishing a full-fledged site while it's parked. In addition, parking the site can make her some money on the side. The domain site will place advertisements on her site temporarily. Should anyone click on the links on her site, she'll receive money. Depending on which parking site she chooses, the artist may be charged to park her site. The amounts vary, but some sites charge nothing for parking. Looking at the possible per-click payments will provide a solid comparison. While the parking is free on one site, the payments per-click might be higher on the sites that charge. Contact different sites to get exact quotes on how much the charge is, if any, and the rate per click. Do the math with an average number of clicks per month to see which one pays more per month.

It's good to choose a domain name auction site that not only offers to park names but also one that will offer brokerage services. Sometimes a website owner wants to close down a site and sell the name. A broker will make negotiations and keep their client anonymous. A brokerage service should also offer to make negotiations for buying web addresses. The key to being able to use these services is to meet the set criteria. Each auction site is different, so each will have its own set of requirements that can include the number of monthly visitors or the type of words included in the web address. The cost of these services tends to be a percentage of the total sales price. 

Other services that could be helpful to those using an auction web address company could be appraisals or inclusion in special listings. If a site's address is featured right on the homepage, the name will get more exposure and possibly receive more bids. This feature isn't typically for free and varies depending on the auction site. Appraisals can be very helpful to sellers because it can be difficult to ball park the true value of a website. By evaluating the content of the website and the number of hits per month, the appraiser can give a more accurate figure. This number will allow the seller to set the minimum bid at a reasonable rate. "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding" (Proverbs 23:23). No seller would want to lose a great website for a measly amount of money. It's best to hang on to it or sell the name for what it's truly worth.

The best way to select a good domain name auction site is to ask friends and family for recommendations. If no one can make recommendations, search online for reviews and comparison charts recently compiled on reputable websites. Another option is to just take a look at a handful of websites for major auctioneers. Read the information offered on the site, including price lists. If no price list is offered, contact a representative for a quote. Registration rates tend to vary and can range from a few dollars per month to over $20 per month. This all depends on the package and features offered. Be sure that the site offers plenty of services, especially those described above. A one-stop shop for all domain needs will make matters far less complicated for selling, appraising, parking, or buying a name. No matter which choice turns out to appear to be the best, never jump into an auction web address service. Taking the time to research and compare options will prove to be the right method. Protecting a good domain and entrusting it to only the best company should be a careful process.

Transfer A Domain Name

Domain transfers are becoming more common place as businesses and individuals with Web presences seek to take advantage of the low pricing structures and the wonderful new features that are being offered throughout online competition. With the very important significance attached to domain names, it is easy to understand why anyone with a website would want to find the best services and protection through a website service agency. With the explosion of e-commerce online, many Web service agencies, or registrars, are making offers for managing and servicing a website and all that accompanies it. Anyone looking to register or transfer a domain name can simply log on, conduct a search, and find hundreds of options that might offer better benefits and management. There truly is no time like the present to consider upgrading services or saving in cost.

Understanding the importance of a Web address can help those wanting to transfer a domain name better understand how crucial services can be. Websites on the Internet are identified by unique number sequences referred to as an IP address. When numbers are typed into a search engine, the search engine browses through cyberspace looking for the numerical address. A consumer must memorize a series of numbers to find a what online site they are looking for. So, just like a person might memorize their best friend's telephone number, finding favorite and beneficial websites would require learning several different series of numbers. No different than clever telephone marketing, Internet numbers can be represented by alphabetic letters, making an address easier to remember and also associated with the products, services, or names within the website. For example, ChristiaNet.com is much easier to remember than a series of monotonous numbers. Obviously, protecting any domain name is crucial to business, and many will make domain transfers to get the best services surrounding their addresses as possible as well as long term protection for their names.

There are many agencies that offer a variety of services with website address registrations. When a web site seeks to transfer a domain name from one agency to another, they may find additional services that better fit their business or individual needs. Services could include a lower registration fee; increased management capabilities, such as updating contact information; and email forwarding to a variety of different emails within a site. Some agencies will charge for multiple email addresses, so it is a good idea to consider those registrars that offer multiple email features for one price. Search engine positioning and webpage blogging can also be a services provided by some agencies.

There are also online agencies that will offer an entire host of website building capabilities with domain transfers. The agencies can offer web site construction and set up, along with status alerts and DNS control. There are registrars that also offer domain parking, which is parking a name while a website is being constructed or for the purpose of selling the name at a later date. Services that handle registering and domain transfers may also offer to transfer a domain name or multiple names for free, which can be important news for those that want to trade and resell names as a business. 

The costs to transfer and manage domain names can vary and often the actual transfer is free when website owners agree to certain terms or sign contracts for more than one year. The current prices to transfer a domain name to a company that offers most of the listed services can run anywhere from $4 per year per name to $50 per year per name, depending. First, it may be a good idea for website owners to carefully evaluate the needs of their website, seeing what additional services need to be added, giving either more flexibility or control. Then browse the different services online, seeking to find an agency that offers all of the services and features to meet the individual needs of companies and individuals. With so many different registrars advertising online, finding a good agency to partner with should not be a difficult task.

There can be trying times associated with making business decisions and website management selections. The Internet is a wonderful place with enormous market potentials, but the protocol and services found there are constantly changing as more and more technology is introduced. The Internet has definitely evolved into a major commercial avenue, and now companies need to get the most out of every dollar spend promoting online. The Bible is a great place to find a source of stability with the ever changing climate of the Internet and also with our world today. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11) Finding comfort in scripture is a great way to manage daily living and ongoing business stresses.

Top Level Domain Registration

An Internet top level domain name is part of an organization or business's online address; specifically, this refers to the letters following the last dot in the web address, such as .com or .org. Some top level domains are off limits to most people, such as .gov, .mil, and .edu, as they are reserved for government, military, and education websites, respectively. However, more generic names such as .com, .org, .biz, and .net are open to individual and business uses, and top level domain registration in these categories is available to just about anyone. Another option that is gaining popularity is the use of country code top level domain names such as .uk (for persons in the United Kingdom) and .us (for persons in the United States). Whichever option one chooses, putting a business online is absolutely essential in today's technology-driven world.

Whether the business is medical, commercial, or non-profit, going online can only be beneficial, as almost everyone searches for the services they need on the Internet. When a person moves to a new town, she often checks online for a doctor or dentist; when she needs to buy a couch, she does her Internet homework; when she wants to buy some rare, hard-to-find item like a sea monkeys aquarium or a turquoise bolo tie, she hits an online search engine. This is where a good Internet top level domain name comes in; the goal is to be on the first page of an online shopper's search engine results, flashing a web address that is appropriate, catchy, trustworthy, and professional. Good advice is to choose a name that accurately reflects the business and that is short and memorable, without being misleading. The requirements: the name must be between two and sixty-three characters and may contain numbers, letters, and hyphens, but cannot contain special characters such as the exclamation point or asterisk; also, a hyphen cannot be positioned as the first or last character. 

Top level domain registration is a relatively easy process and can often be inexpensive, costing $10 to $35 a year. Interested persons must register with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers and either buy a web hosting package or provide their own hosting services. Choosing a service that provides 24 hour a day toll free phone and e-mail support might be the best way to get the full benefits of a purchase. Also, businesses planning to buy or sell products on the website will need to buy online shopping cart software. Anticipating these additional expenses, businesses might seek to purchase an Internet top level domain in a package that includes web hosting and shopping cart, which should simplify the set-up process and save money as well. 

Because so many good web address names are already taken by a .com or .org, many businesses are turning to country code top level domains to get the name they want for online exposure. Increasingly popular is the choice to use .us or .za for top level domain registration in order to avoid obscure or awkward web addresses. Another option for business owners finding their desired name taken on .com and not wanting to settle for a weird substitute is to purchase a premium domain, which is a previously existing but unused web address that uses important key words and popular search terms that will stream search-engine users directly to one's business. This is an expensive option, but definitely promises increased traffic to one's site, which should result in increased sales and service. Interested persons can easily search through thousands of related web names to find one that works for a particular business, and while these domains are not necessarily unique, they are generally short and memorable and get the advertising done quite nicely. 

Business owners might consider buying more than one Internet top level domain and streaming them all to one URL, in order to avoid having businesses with the same name benefit from their company's popularity or having their company confused with another. Also, if a business or individual feels that they will require the use of a domain in the future, advance buying is an excellent idea. Buying ahead and not using the web address right away is better than waiting and losing the domain to another company. However, buyers should be aware that there are limits to the amount of time a purchased domain may remain inactive and should ask the provider at the time of registration. Of course, if the buyer does not need the web address after all, he can always sell it to someone else, sometimes at a highly profitable rate. 

Like other advertising investments, top level domain registration is one step in the path to business success, but the Bible teaches that the true path is found through honest and fair business dealings. One wise proverb says, "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" (Proverbs 4:18). Even in this age of globalization, a good name and a reputation for honesty, kindness, and genuine concern for the customer is still what matters; having a catchy, effective web address might help get one's name out, but keeping that good name is up to the business owner. Sometimes in business, customers don't care as much about who is the most professional, the most technologically savvy, the most trendy or "with it," but rather care about finding a business that keeps its promises, treats its customers and the natural environment with respect, and works in a way that is unmistakably just.

Static IP Address

A static IP address is issued by Internet service providers as a means to provide individual recognition for web pages. A provider designates specific numbers for every computer for the purpose of a permanent Internet address, the very word 'static' means unchanging. The designated numbers are represented in the form of dotted quads, which are a sequence of four decimal numbers that are separated by decimal points, or dots. The act of separating numbers by dots is so that those who need to can more easily read an address, as opposed to the more common domain name.

Occasionally, the dot address must be used when performing tasks such as reconfiguring a Web browser or when one must conduct business with provider. A static IP address works much like a telephone number. When computers share information they are able to recognize each other by reading and recognizing an address. The act of visiting various web pages incorporates the use of the dotted quad. Every time one visits a website the computer in use seeks out the sites address, and once recognized, accesses the proper server and ultimately downloads the correct page. Such as system is able to provide visitors to sites the access they expect and the assurance that they will be able to access the information, "... and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever" (Isaiah 32:17).

The system behind designating specific individual number sequences for every web page was not a bad idea when the Internet was instituted. However, with the explosion of popularity and the rapid growth of the World Wide Web, there simply are not enough unique number systems to go round. Something had to be done concerning the fact that there needed to be more numbers sequences than had originally been issued. The solution to the problem was found with the invention of the dynamic IP address. The word 'dynamic' means always changing, which is exactly what the number sequence does. Instead of one specific number for a computer, the numeric sequences are shared. For example, instead of issuing a unique number for every computer, there is a virtual pool of addresses contained by various providers. When one logs on to the Internet, a number is assigned to them, then once they have disconnected, the number goes back into the pool, allowing it to be made available to another user.

Many people incorporate the use of networks into home offices and many through the Internet. An address that is always changing does allow for better mobility when moving about within a network, however, there are a few advantages to having a static IP address verses a dynamic IP address. When in regards to a home network, addresses that remain fixed provide a better level of security versus a sequence which is apt to change from time to time. Confusion resulting from conflicts of addresses can be caused occasionally on a network that is constantly having to recognize new number sequences, hence, one that is fixed allows for smoother transitions and faster speeds.

In order to best fit the needs of users, there are options available for picking a specific static IP address. This is helpful for those who have set up personal networks and desire to have systems run as smoothly as possible. There are some tips that should be kept in mind when deciding on a number sequence, specifically that a sequence that begins with a decimal point and a zero should be avoided as they are mainly used for specific procedures on Internet. Users are also cautioned to use only sequences that will be recognized within the range of their network. Many websites offer tips and techniques for discerning what one's unchanging address is for networking needs.

A dynamic IP address can be beneficial. A way in which having a specific number identification that is not fixed is that someone is able to easily add more processors on to a pre-existing network. There are many servers in use that have addresses which rarely or never change, therefore, changing IP addresses can make sense as fewer changes will need to be made if the server ever happens to gain a new description of origin. Those who are assigned random number sequences are people who connect to the Internet via a cable modem, dial-up or DSL. There are advantages to having a number sequence that changes, mainly to allow for convenience and to prevent the overloading of a system.

All IP addresses are intended to allow computers detect not only one another, but any and all information that is transferred along the line of the World Wide Web. Advancements in technology have allowed for the smooth progression and relatively easy transition from one set of operating procedures to the next. The creators of the Internet obviously could not see into the future and perceive the importance and impact it would have on the world. The world has shrunk in terms of communication as information can be shared within seconds from virtually everywhere in the world. With the immense amounts of users that log onto cyber space the invention of a dynamic IP address was well thought out. Those with private networks do have the ability to have specific and fix numerical origins, and everyone can still benefit due to the plethora of dotted quads that swim about pools of availability just waiting for the next user to log on and surf away.

Search Domain Names

To check a domain name is the first activity that should be done when developing a web page or informative website. Getting an innovative or creative web address can be the key to having Internet browsers remember a site and easily find it. A creative or fun name is much easier to remember than a series of numbers. The website address for one's Internet space is just like a logo or catchy company name, and can serve webmasters in bringing customers, clients, and the targeted audience to the information shared online. There are millions of website addresses already listed and registered on the Internet, so before web owners can decide on the perfect phrase for their website address, they will need to start searching with national website registries.

The Domain Name System is the database where domain names and their addresses are registered. A person or company wanting to check a domain name may find a service that will search domain names for them, and offer additional Internet services as well. Many companies offer free address searches, but want to work with individuals and companies in developing a website. These Internet service companies offer an entire hosts of services associated with web development and Internet Service Provider (ISP) services, as well. 

When considering a company for ISP service or web hosting, webmasters should be sure and get additional information about the provider and do some homework to ensure that the company that will offer good and consistent services. Webmasters want to make sure that anyone looking up their website will find that website, and that the web host is not experiencing frequent technical problems. Customers should search domain names, then ask questions and research any web hosting or ISP service provider before agreeing to terms and conditions.

Today, it is important that a domain name be easy to remember and be significantly associated with the services offered online. Many Internet surfers will not check a domain name but guess at website addresses that they are trying to locate, using the name of the company, or a service provided, as they type in their request to the search engine of choice. New web address holders will want their new web address to be something that is easily associated with. But, there are millions of websites online with millions of addresses, and these names are exposed world-wide. The broad audience of the Internet provides a challenge for website addresses, where as typical trademark names and symbols are protected only on a national level. Needless to say, there are legal disputes throughout the world dealing with website address issues.

When constructing a website that will attract visitors, it is not only necessary to search domain names, finding a name that will be easy to remember and attract consumers, but it will be important to remember to present products or services in such a way that glorifies the Lord. The Bible teaches us to not only minister to others in a manner pleasing to God, but we are to do everything in a manner that is pleasing to God. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." (Colossians 3:16-17)

Purchase SSL Certificate

The decision to purchase a SSL certificate is a wise one. Every day more and more Internet based stores and individual web shops open for business. Important data and private information such as credit card information, billing statements and account details get passed through cyber space, or accessed electronically. With the advancements in technology and ecommerce, unfortunately come new ways of stealing vital data and account information. Internet businesses can be a brilliant way to conduct business, but occasionally does not lend itself to being the most secure method. For this reason, acquiring a protective certificate can prove to be very wise decision, "let them rise up and help you, and be your protection" Deuteronomy 32:38.

SSL stands for secure sockets layers. Such certificates contain two types of encryption keys, one private, and one public key. To purchase a SSL certificate is to provide an added layer of protection through means of encrypting vital information and then deciphering as well. Such methods are implemented in order to provide each and every user or visitor to a site the best security possible. Each certificate is able to be customized in such a way that every server is recognized that comes from a verified source. Through a brief comparison of information regarding validation, the certificate checks for authentication and proceeds to either allow or disallow access. In some cases an icon resembling a padlock appears in a browser window, or the address bar will turn green in color. In cases when authentication has not been verified, an error or notice warning will pop up so that the user is notified of possible errors in security.

One might wonder why authentication is important, but need only to experience even a small breach in security to find out. Safeguarding vital information is a wise action to take before the risk of theft can even come into play. Those who benefit the most from the purchase of SSL certificates are those who run websites which require visitors to log in, any time processing of information such as birth dates or license numbers are required, and especially any site through which purchases are made and transactions involving credit card information occur. Luckily, for those in need, there are many ways to purchase a SSL certificate that are easy and cost effective. Internet savvy individuals can find hundreds of websites which offer options to buy new certificates, renew those previously purchased, or even free trials for those who might not be certain as to which type is best for them.

Certificates can be expensive as the service is not only an important one but demand is high which makes for a competitive market. Most websites offer comparisons of different types so that potential customers can see what they will receive and compare packages with other types that might prove to be more cost effective. The price of certificates varies on the amount of encryption information is required. Each requires a particular bit minimum depending on the level of encryption, and almost all are backed by warranties. Those who choose to purchase a SSL certificate can rest assured that they will receive adequate service for the money spent. Due to the fact that prices are usually on the high end, with prices above a thousand dollars, many companies offer discounted prices for those who choose to buy high enough volumes to last for several years.

Cheap SSL certificates are available from several manufacturers. Rates are generally lower when in regards to digital certificates. They can be just as effective as most others, yet at a lower, more affordable rate. Digital services can provide security measures for as little as twenty dollars. Several reputable websites offer price comparisons from multiple manufactures to show potential customers that it can be possible to buy cheap SSL certificates that can be every bit as good as the more expensive ones. Those offered at lower rates come with the fullest validation, backed by satisfied users, full capabilities for the monitoring of email and websites, and come backed with thirty day warranties all for as low as fifty dollars a month. There are options to buy for multiple years at a time, with rates not much more than one hundred dollars, and still backed by warranties which offer assurance for hesitant purchasers.

Service is of equal value with cheap SSL certificates as with the pricier packages. Straightforward websites break down the benefits and effectiveness of various certificates, and explain through easy to see cost comparisons, why one does not always have to spend copious amounts of money to receive quality service. Good customer service is reflected through several testimonials in which satisfied clients explain how much they appreciate the assistance and helpfulness of spending less for a product which fulfills expectations. Potential clients can trust they will receive a package that not only fits any needs but will also allow them to save money on initial costs and possible future expenses.

People on the lookout for a deal should not blindly accept a deal without substantial preliminary research. True, finding cheap SSL certificates that not only boasts of effectiveness but of also being issued within minutes of purchase, is possible, however, consideration should be put into specific needs so as to ensure the purchase on a package that will be the best in security for a website. Providing the best possible security measures for a website can prove to be very good idea that can save from possible information theft, frustrations, and loss of money.

Reverse DNS Lookup

In today's Internet driven world, a good DNS lookup tool can be essential. DNS stand for domain name server. The presumed anonymity that the Internet seems to offer can encourage abuse. The ability to detect the identity of a fellow web user can go a long way in deterring some of these abuses. An IP, or Internet protocol address, is basically a series of numbers that are separated by periods. These numbers are utilized whenever a web user is trying to access a site or send an e-mail. An Internet protocol address look up is basically the ability to translate the name of a web site into these numbers. A reverse DNS lookup goes the other direction. The piece of the puzzle that is missing is not the numbers, but the name. This type of research involves translating numbers into the name of the web address. Look up services that offer the user both forward and reverse capabilities are both numerous and popular on the World Wide Web. 

When a computer user is being plagued by excessive span or a suspected hacker, the reverse DNS lookup can help to uncover the identity of the possible offender. These domain names operate on a server and have directories that connect the number with the name. Domain name registries and registrar tables are the sources that enable search services to accomplish these traces. Some lookup services are better than others, but the user can generally find the information that they are looking for, however, it is not uncommon for malicious users to find loopholes that complicate things. There are, of course, many web visitors and e-mail sources that are completely innocent of trying to cause harm to another person's system. These individuals are usually very easy to trace since they are not trying to hide in the first place. Those with malicious intent, such as spammers and hackers, will often go to great lengths to hide their identities and consequently can be a little more difficult to trace for even the best DNS lookup tool. The various disguises that are available for such offenders could include the use of anonymous proxies that hide genuine Internet protocol addresses. Hackers and spammers are skilled at keeping their IP addresses concealed. The Bible talks about the names of the saints that are written down in the book of life. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." (Revelation 3:5)

While the accuracy of a domain name that has been ascertained through a DNS lookup tool can and should sometimes be taken a grain of salt, it may still yield enough information that will allow the user to move forward. The way to determine the name of the particular individual behind a domain name is through something called the Whois database. ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, requires that information about the group or individual who registers a particular domain name be available in the Whois database. Clever offenders may be able to find a way around this and still conceal their identities. But if the search for this information is successful, contact with the individual or group should be possible. The intent behind the Whois database is to make a reverse DNS lookup, or any kind of domain name or Internet protocol tracing, both possible and fruitful. While there may be a variety of reasons that a computer user would need to uncover the domain name of a specific Internet protocol address, system security is certainly one of the motivations. A major benefit of the Whois database is that it can help prevent malicious users from remaining anonymous. 

In short, a forward look up involves inquiring about a domain name such as "whoareyou.com." The successful end results of such a search would yield a series of numbers that make up the Internet protocol address. A reverse lookup would begin with an Internet protocol address and hopefully end with the correct domain name, or something like "thereyoouare.com." Other types of searches might include the MX record look up which starts with a domain name and yields the IP address that is attached to the e-mail associated with that domain. A domain name server record look up begins with a domain name and uncovers all of the records that belong to that name. 

Since spamming, hacking, and malicious e-mails have become a major problem for Internet users, the DNS lookup tool has become extremely essential. A benefit of this tool has been in the development of anti spam filters and software. By looking at the domain name, this software can often identify and block the most likely sources of spam material. Lists of domain names that can be identified as safe can also help to block many sources of spamming or phishing attacks. A downside to spam filters is that they are not fool proof. It is possible for even the best anti spam or anti phishing software to occasionally block a perfectly safe e-mail. For this reason, many systems will quarantine a suspicious e-mail in a junk e-mail file. The computer owner can check out the source of this suspicious e-mail and opt to delete it if the computer owner is not familiar with or does not trust the source. All in all, the reverse DNS lookup performs a very important function for computer users who are concerned about the security of their system.

Private Domain Name Registration

To try to juggle domain registration privacy while maintaining a strong and vital internet presence can require a little extra effort. The ready availability of personal information that belongs to anyone registering named domains on the internet can prove to be a challenging situation. At the best, having this personal data out there for anyone to see can create inbox havoc and major inconvenience in the form of rampant spamming. At its worst, this information can be used to stalk, harass, or steal the identity of the individual whose personal records and numbers have been violated. There are a variety of third party services that can aide consumers in protecting the information that they would prefer to keep private. Private domain name registration helps keep this data under wraps from the very beginning. Since the use of the internet can cover anything from launching a small business to creating an interactive family scrapbook and any number of purposes in between, the need for protection in this area covers a wide variety of individual needs and preferences. Whatever the motivation, purchasing and registering domain names is the first step in the process of creating a web site. Attaining a level of safety and confidentiality is too important an element of this experience to neglect. 

It is important to remember that the internet is all about sharing, whether what is being shared is information, digital photography, or other media. Just because most internet users enjoy the benefits of the World Wide Web from the privacy of their homes does not mean that the internet is not a very public place. Choosing private domain name registration allows for a certain amount of security and protection from spammers or others who prey on the personal information of others. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, or ICANN, oversees the registrations of these domains and operates as a non-profit organization. ICANN requires that certain information gathered in the registration process be kept public and available on the WHOIS database. The kinds of information that are typically made public in the WHOIS database when someone registers a new name include the holder's name and physical address, the date of registration, the date that domains expire, the date of the most recent update to the domain's record, the IP address and the host name of the server, and sometimes even the addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of contacts. With all of this personal data available twenty four hours a day to whoever wants to take the trouble to check it out, the need for domain registration privacy is obvious. When a consumer chooses to pursue private domain name registration, this information is protected. Generally, a post office address is used rather than a personal physical address and an alternate e-mail address is listed rather than a holder's personal e-mail address. Rather than revealing a holder's identity, the name of the company that offers the domain registration privacy service appears in the WHOIS database. These services work by subscription and generally charge a small monthly fee. 

Many people all around the world have taken advantage of the endless possibilities presented by the World Wide Web for both business and personal use. The process of creating a web site involves finding server space from a web host provider. The role of this web host provider is to give a new web site a home. Generally, this provider also offers a setup for the DNS or domain name service that keeps e-mail going to where it belongs and helps the user get their files up and online. Along with this, web host providers might also feature such help as consulting, reports on web traffic, help with web page creation, maintenance, round the clock monitoring, and technical support. Obviously these features will vary from server to server. The Bible talks about the wisdom of righteous communication. "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things." (Proverbs 15:28) 

To understand the concept of private domain name registration also involves understanding exactly what makes up a domain name. Good names allow the web surfer to immediately understand the message and mission of the web site that they are visiting. When trying to achieve an internet identity, finding a good name is a very important step. Once a name has been chosen, purchased and registered, the holder of that name owns it. Names can be registered for anywhere from one to ten years. A fee is assessed at the time of registration. The size of the fee is determined by the number of years that the name has been registered for. Names can be purchased, registered and held without requiring that a web site bearing those names to appear on the web. Users should choose names carefully since once these names have been purchased and registered, there are no refunds and these names can not be changed. 

When a web site becomes successful, the value of the domain name rises. Success in the web world is determined by the number of visitors that a particular web site attracts. The more hits a site receives, the more revenue that site can raise through advertising sales and other means. As more and more competition occurs in the internet world, the more these domain names are seen as assets. Giving away information to a competitor does not make good business sense. For this and other reasons, guarding domain registration privacy is an important priority.

Register A Domain Name

Internet businesses will need to register a domain name as a first step in building an effective web presence. There are several registration portals that offer a variety of services associated with establishing a web site address. Choosing the right agency to register a domain name with will be vital to the future of the e-commerce conducted online. Also, if a phrase or title wanted is already in use, then there is another option to purchase a domain name. Hundreds of web addresses are parked with different agencies that are selling these titles. There is an entire industry affiliated with registrations, maintaining, listing, and appraising the titles that web sites call themselves. This industry is continuing to grow and those searching for the perfect alphabetic combination for increased search engine traffic will take their time in researching and getting better acquainted with the different avenues for registrations and marketing support.

So what is all of the fuss and why is there a need to register a domain name? Well, a domain title, or web address, is what an online business or information site wants consumers to remember. It's how a website is found or located online. Effective marketing strategies include having a phrase or combination of words within a web address that will catch the attention of browsers and shoppers. Search engines pick up on key words and every website in cyberspace wants to be listed at the top of search results. It will pay to have a web site address that consumers can recall easily or that utilizes key words effectively. Professionals in sales and advertising say that the shorter the phrase or address is, the better. Also, company names may not be important, if the name is not nationally recognized. For example, if the company name is Smith Enterprises, and the products sold are computer parts; the web address will fair better if it includes the words computers or parts, and not Smith. Advertising has taken on a whole new look as billboards, transportation spaces, magazines, and newspapers simply host the valuable alphabetic letters and a dot com. And so, to protect themselves, companies want to make sure that there web addresses are registered and not available for others to use.

Agencies online that register a domain name will have many services that will support the marketing genius behind domain names. Web titles are registered for only short periods of time and are never owned out-right. There will be some registration portals that will maintain renewing the title and that will conduct a search, to determine what other sites are using similar or exact wording. There are trade mark legalities, so conducting searches and availability are important measures to take. Also, many of these online name trading companies will offer online businesses and information sites the option to purchase a domain name. Names are bought and sold daily, creating an industry in itself. Often, one company may offer registrations, names for sale, appraisals, and marketing support. There are many agencies to choose from, and choosing a reputable company to work with will yield the best and legal results. 

Prices can vary when a new or established business wants to purchase a domain name. There have been some names that have sold for great amounts of money. But, this is not the norm, and there are titles that can be bought for a fair price. If in the market for a catchy phrase, have the title agency selected give a list of the addresses that are currently for sale. Reviewing what titles are available may reveal a word or idea not previously thought of.

Experts in this new industry of title trades explain that there is wisdom in selecting a service that will supply many areas of support, but not web hosting. Using the same agency to web host and to register an address could result in frustrations down the road. It may be easy to change a hosting service, but moving a domain can be more difficult. It is best to utilize two separate agencies in this case. 

Name trading, selling, and buying is a fascinating industry. This industry continues to grow and become somewhat complex, especially to the newcomer on the scene. Before purchasing a domain name, it will be a good idea to get a good understanding of the entire name commerce. Also, when a company wants to register a domain name, the register portal should be researched and chosen based on credibility.

God's Word, the Bible teaches us that getting as much knowledge as possible will lead to making better decisions about any given subject or situation. Taking time to research and ask questions will give any business the best advantage. "The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge." (Proverbs 18:15) Also, speak with others who have experience and know how to purchase a domain name. They may be able to give direction and advise about establishing your business or information online effectively.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

New Domain Extensions

New domain extensions have recently been approved by ICANN which stands for the International Association for Names and Numbers, the body which approves new web name add ons. This is a good thing because many individuals and businesses have very creative domain names but can't use them because someone already has the domain name and a well known extension. For those who are used to pounding out dot com, dot org or dot net, we will have to learn to like or at least get used to other add ons because they are definitely on the way. Many of the types of domain extensions that are already available or becoming available are based on other countries' names, as will be explained in a little while. But let's take a fictional company looking to get just the right web address add ons because this newly formed business sells gnus. A new gnu business.

Why is there a need for new domain extensions or add-ons? Consider that there are now billions of web pages available for perusal, each requiring an IP or Internet protocol address. An IP is the binary number that a website hosting service turns from a human language form into a form the computer understands. So the needs for more types of web address add-ons become necessary because just as builders are searching for more and more land on which to build housing communities which then have streets on which there are houses and each house needs an address, the Internet needs more and more web address add-ons on which websites can be built and given addresses or IPs. Either addresses get longer or newly created types of web address add ons are developed. 

New web address add ons or ones that haven't been used very much are fairly easy to find if a person just uses the key words "new domain extensions." Because Gnu dot com was already taken the new gnu commerce venture began looking at all the types of web address add ons available to it and became amazed at those sitting out there that hadn't been seen very much. Dot museum, dot aero, dot pro and dot coop are all domain extensions that have been around for a while but don't show up very often. The new gnu business owner thought that none of those extensions would really work. So the owner became aware of the many extensions related to countries were available. "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end there of are the ways of death." (Proverbs 13:12)

While prices for dot com extensions can often be rather inexpensive, such as fifteen dollars a year for many, prices for a country's web address add on can be pricier. All of the following extensions are available for everyone except a few. Dot cn is China's and can be had for thirty five dollars and year. Dot de is Germany at forty a year, .fr is France for one hundred dollars a year, .it is Italy for forty dollars a year, .la is a good one for Los Angeles based companies but can also be used for Louisiana and Latin America. Surprisingly, types of domain extensions also include .sr which is the add on for the South American country of Surinam is perfect for businesses dealing with senior adults, but that extension is two hundred and seventy five dollars a year! 

Other new domain extensions in recent years include .fm for that type of radio station, .am for that breed of radio, .tv which should be very popular for multi media businesses and how about .tk, an extension for Tokelau Island but open for anyone to use? Amazingly, the .us web address add on isn't seen very much and quite available at reasonable prices. In addition dot uk, .name, .md and .mobi for those using only a cell phone to do business are available. But the ICANN, in just recent weeks has opened nine more new web address add-ons for use. Our new Gnu looked at these add-ons very carefully.

Dot asia, for all the new businesses sprouting in that region, .cat for what else but feline lovers, .jobs, .mail, .post, .tel and .travel were all approved for newly created name extensions. So the new Gnu business owner looked at all of these types of domain extensions over quite closely. Gnu.info had some possibilities but it was a little bland, gnu.name was kind of cute, gnu.net sounded something to go out and catch a gnu with, gnu.it sounded a little too egocentric, and gnu.to sounded much too like the beginning of a question a neighbor might ask someone just moving into a neighborhood. 

Perhaps the owner of the new gnu commerce venture would never be able to find one of the new domain extensions perfect for the business. Discouragement reigned supreme until the man looked over all of the notes again he had taken from online research and came across the one the owner believed absolutely perfect for the business. In fact, the man then remembered that in his research, this particular extension, of the many types of domain extensions, was being embraced wildly by young techies and the entire younger demographic. Nothing could be more exciting than getting the younger generations interested in raising and promoting the gnu population throughout the planet than a domain name and extension that could easily be remembered by that demographic. The extension the gnu venture owner had missed was the extension .nu. What could be cooler than the address, www.gnu.nu? Go figure.

Domain Name Renewal

Keeping track of domain name renewal deadlines is an important task for a webmaster or website owner. If the deadline passes without a domain name registration renewal taking place, the website's label can be purchased by someone else, perhaps even a business competitor. Companies often spend a great deal of time and money on promoting their websites, including the online names which can become identified with a particular brand or business. The company's investment needs to be protected by keeping track of deadlines and renewing the website's name prior to its expiration. Even private individuals often spend a great deal of thought and effort to come up with relevant names for the personal websites they create. Perhaps a personal site starts out as a creative means to share one's love for embroidery. But as time goes on, the site evolves into a gathering place for others who are also interested in needlework. The website becomes a respected resource for the hobbyists. It would be very frustrating if the website lost its identity because someone neglected to renew the domain name.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a non-profit corporation which has been given authority by the United States government to oversee, coordinate, and manage the Domain Name System (DNS) for the internet, including policies concerning initial registration and domain name renewal. The DNS provides an important benefit to consumers because words and combinations of words are much easier to remember than complex sets of numbers. Basically, the DNS allows users to choose words to replace the unique Internet Protocol (IP) address, a string of numbers that is the actual format for identifying the hosting computer for the website. When a user types a website address into the address box, the name is associated with the IP address and the appropriate website is then accessed by the user.

Certain companies, known in the industry as registrars, offer both domain name renewal and initial registration for websites to consumers. These are sold in one-year increments, though more than one one-year period can be purchased at a time. Some registrars offer discounts for initial registrations of two or more years. The longest period of time that can be purchased is ten years. The consumer has the choice of changing registrars, but not until at least sixty days have passed since the initial registration. Most registrars offer additional services and provide discounts and incentives to customers who purchase them. Some of these services may include website design, hosting of the site, and e-commerce options such as marketing aids, shopping cart features, and SSL certificates and security. Registrars may offer a service that helps consumers keep watch for someone failing to meet a domain name registration renewal deadline. This type of service might be important for someone who wants to start a business using a website label that has already been taken. The individual can list desired names with some registrars who will let the person know if it isn't renewed. These registrars may keep lists of expiring names that the individual can then track.

Many times a domain name registration renewal occurs even though the actual website has not been designed and is not being utilized by the owner. Some individuals purchase a multitude of domain names that they think will be of some value to another person as a type of investment. They hope that the other person will want the site badly enough to pay an additional cost for it. This practice is sometimes referred to as cybersquatting. The organization mentioned earlier, ICANN, as part of the authority given to them by the federal government, has established dispute resolution policies. For cybersquatting issues, an expedited administrative procedure has been established that is less costly and less time-consuming than lengthy and expensive court trials. However, when questions of trademarks and copyrighting issues arise between two parties, litigation in court is usually necessary to sort out the claims.

Some companies offer appraisal services for determining the value of a domain name. But caution is needed to avoid fraudulent buyers whose only motive is to get the seller to utilize the services of a specific appraisal company. In this scam, the so-called buyer either owns the appraisal company or receives a percentage of the business he refers to the company. Savvy consumers pay attention to their transactions so that they do not become victims. As the psalmist advised: "Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance" (Psalm 112:4-6).

Other potential scams involve domain name registration renewal deadlines. In one such scam, the fraudulent registrar company sends fake invoices to website owners encouraging them to renew the domain name. If the invoice is paid, the domain is transferred to the unscrupulous registrar, even though this transfer may not have been made clear to the website owner. In a similar scam, the fraudulent company obtains the owner's credit card information and authorization to complete a transaction. However, the fraudulent company will not complete the domain name renewal process. Then, a few weeks later, the website owner discovers that he still owes for renewal to the original registrar. Experts suggest that owners protect themselves by not responding to emails they receive about renewing domain names. Instead the owner can go directly to the registrar's website and complete the renewal transaction. If necessary, the owner should not hesitate to contact the registrar by phone to ensure that the website is protected from scammers.

Domain Name Parking

Just as the name implies, domain name parking refers to the practice of reserving a domain, or alphabet equivalent of a numeric Internet Protocol (IP) address on the Internet, which is not currently tied to an existing email or website. By parking or registering the name with an Internet Service Provider (ISP), cyberspace is set aside for future use. Internet businesses frequently use domain parking services to post a single page site with a message indicating that the site is either under construction or soon to come. Companies and individuals reserve virtual space, or real estate, on the Internet for a small annual fee much the same way as someone would sign a lease for an apartment to be physically occupied at a later date. Once registered, an address is proprietary, and as such, cannot be used by another entity. We recognize the domain as part of the Uniform Resource Locator or URL. For example, in the URL http://www.company.com, the domain name is www.company.com. 

The popularity of the worldwide web has changed the way small and large businesses operate. In order for businesses to compete in today's marketplace, a web presence is crucial. Website advertising is one of the most vital promotional tools for any entrepreneur who wants to reach a local, regional, national, or global market. No longer can small or large corporations rely on walk-in or local traffic, but there must be an effort to reach a worldwide audience, one that is ready, willing and able to make electronic purchases of valuable goods and services, for greater profitability. Cyberspace is a virtual place where individuals and businesses can rent, lease, or simply reserve a specific location on the worldwide web from domain parking services. Reserved sites can be either monetized or non-monetized. Monetized sites are those that have potential to generate income, while non-monetized sites do not necessarily produce revenue. 

Domain name parking helps companies begin the process of creating a web presence and driving global consumers to new sites. And just as automobile drivers pay for leaving a vehicle, so do registrants pay not only to use a distinct address, but also to reserve it for a specific amount of time. While a URL represents the unique identity and location of an internet advertiser, there is one individual whose identity is more unique and powerful than any in the entire universe. "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11).

There are several different advantages to using domain name parking. Registrants can create an immediate web presence prior to launching a site. Parking affords an opportunity to build brand recognition. A monetized parked domain can be used to advertise links to a targeted audience. Newly registered sites can be used to bookmark, or hold a place, and redirect visitors to existing sites. Once businesses register a unique IP or web address, a provider service reserves the cyberspace and posts either a monetized page featuring advertisements, or a non-monetized page notifying visitors that the site is still under construction. Registration will prevent others from using the same URL while a registrant constructs the site. But while the site is being built, visitors may get a sneak preview by doing a keyword search relevant to the URL. Typing the Uniform Resource Locator, or web address, into a search engine displays a monetized page with a relatively static layout featuring advertisements which domain parking services have sold to other advertisers. The non-monetized page directs visitors to the site where they will find a message that the site is under construction. Most registrants will launch a dummy website with an impressive home page, basically just for looks, and other pages marked "under construction." To encourage repeat traffic, registrants can include informative links to other existing sites that are helpful to visitors and give them an incentive to come back once construction is completed. 

Domain name parking is also used as a great advertising tool to direct browsers to several active pages. Once a visitor types keywords into a search engine, a non-specific parked domain appears on the screen with links to a dozen or more related sites. Service providers use these kinds of sites as Internet billboards or classified ad pages to drive visitors via links to the websites of paying Internet advertisers. For instance, if an Internet browser is doing an online search for aluminum outdoor furniture, several links to entities specializing in aluminum outdoor furniture will appear on a page. Browsers can choose to click on any of the links to find more information on a target-specific product. Because domain parking services retain ownership and simply lease space to Internet advertisers, owning a monetized site can be a lucrative venture for both the service provider and the advertiser.

Internet advertisers seeking to locate parking services can do an online search. The first step in reserving cyberspace is to apply and pay for a domain, which can be registered free of charge or for a minimal monthly fee. The cost of hosting or parking is also either free or charged monthly, depending on the package registrants choose to purchase. Web hosting services conduct a search to ensure that no other entity is using the same address. Internet advertisers should park the new URL as soon as possible to reserve the space while constructing their website. Domain name parking will provide a temporary web presence, incentives to visit the site, and generate potential revenue for advertisers, parking services, and new registrants.

Domain Management Service

A domain registration management company was extremely important to the man who had just started a small pet store on the outskirts of a small city in the Midwest. With the man, his wife and one part-time employee, the business was about to be open and underway and there was the immediate need to distinguish the business from over ten other pet stores in a thirty mile radius. Not only did the owner need a company to research all site names for the one that would fit this particular business, but the need existed for there to be a constant watch for any other business that might attempt to use the site name chosen for this small shop. So, the company the owner would choose must not only specialize in name registration, but must also thrive in domain management service. The owner began searching for just the right company.

Because so many studies have been done that prove the relaxing effects that owning a pet has on its owners, the proprietor of this particular store wanted the name of the store and the website to imply that very advantage. It would go without speaking that the owner wanted the site name to match the store's name. So the owner decided on a domain management service that also served as a domain registration management service. The owner's store was called "Man's Rest Friend," and the service the owner had chosen began looking to see if there were any site names of the same. In this case the owner had been very smart in finding a name that was unique and the site name was available. But the domain registration management side of the company suggested that the owner also register fifteen or twenty other names with misspellings or other anomalies so that the main website would be found instead of getting a name error page and subsequently ending a search by an Internet shopper. Other name registrations would only cost a few dollars each, so it seemed to be a good investment for the owner.

The domain management service that the owner had chosen offered an important addition to the domain registration management service, and that was certifying a site name as being legitimate. Because someone such as a competitor, enemy or other person wishing to hurt the reputation of an individual or business could request a site name that could be harmful, certifying the legitimacy of the site name is important. The web builder, the web administrator and the domain register owner are contacted and if any of the three do not certify the name as being a legitimate name, the certification is denied and the name cannot display a certificate of authenticity. This fraud screening can add a level of security to those wishing to pursue business with a particular site name. "Jesus answered and said unto him, 'Verily, verily I say unto thee. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."' (John 3:3)

One of the very important responsibilities of a domain management service is to keep tabs on the length of time the site name is owned by a particular business or individual. Companies offering these services can give the site owner multiple years of registration, some up to ten years and more. Allowing a site name's registration to lapse could be a huge disaster for a business, particularly if a competitor snatches it up and uses it to send Internet traffic its direction. But these name services can help a business stay on top of registration expirations dates and the need to reregister at the appropriate times. The owner of "Man's Rest Friend" signed a ten year registration agreement for the main site name, and a three year registration agreement for the names designed to catch the near misses.

The pet owner discovered through registration process that if the desire ever arose to offer franchises of the "Man's Rest Friend" way of doing pet store business, there would be other services the domain registration management service could offer. It could, for instance, offer a consolidation of all owned, wanted, competitor and client site names into a single, secure online system. Additionally, it could automatically track and report link popularity, monitor the site name registry for changes to site name expiration dates and receive email alerts whenever the status of a tracked domain name changes. Perhaps the owner would decide that the name, "Man's Rest Friend" for the store and the site name just wasn't catching on and would like to change it to a domain name already registered by another store. The management service could alert the owner to name registration lapses and notification to the pet store owner could be done immediately.

The world of online retailing is fierce and never ending. Continual changes are needed in website design and content, plus marketing and advertising because the competition is already making those changes. Choosing the right domain management service at the very beginning of the domain registration process can make a huge difference on Internet driven business for any company desirous of more exposure to the marketplace. Even with all the safeguards in place, attorneys specializing in the intellectual property arena, which is a fancy way of labeling Internet website and domain name ownership, may be needed to clear up areas of strife between businesses claiming the same right of ownership of names, etc. Due diligence is always good advice.

Low Cost Domain Names

For those wanting a powerful punch to their website, but do not want to spend the big bucks in buying a dynamic web address, there are low cost domain names available today from a variety of sources. Most of the sources for the cheapest domain names will register identification names and also offer additional online services, as well. It truly is not difficult to find unique or memorable titles for a website and to find these titles at affordable pricing. Buying, selling, and trading domain names has become a booming business, and there are many methods to obtaining the right tools to attract visitors to web pages. 

Domain titles are available in a broad range of costs and the costs are generally determined by where a net address is registered. Online, there are many different agencies offering low cost domain names and the cheapest domain names can sometimes be purchased for as little as $1.99. The total costs involved with registering a web title will be determined by the length of a rental agreement and what other services are secured at registration with any given registration agency. 

To get a better understanding of how to select a registrar for an Internet addresses, it is a good idea to know what a domain name is and why it is important. Knowing what is involved with purchasing and with registration can also help determine what money needs to be spent in finding the right Internet web identity. Most businesses and individuals want their customers and clients to memorize their Internet address easily. Initially, addresses, or the URL of a specific website, were a series of numbers, but now unique and individual phrases or letters make up the address to any web page. Name recognition is very important to successful businesses of any kind, and marketing professionals echo the importance of having a title that will expresses the sentiment, services, or products of the company hosting it. Advertising in different forms of media has taken on a new look as marketers utilize the fresh appeal that a quick or catchy web address offers. There is much to be said in a domain name, and smart business people will not only look for the cheapest domain names, but will take time to find one that sells their products or services and lasts in the consumer's memory.

Once an Internet title has been selected, then it must be recorded with a data base that monitors the names and those who own the rights to them. Rights are bought on a rental basis, and no one really owns their web address. There are generally, yearly renewal fees that apply to registrations, and titles can be registered for several years at a time. There are many different agencies, large and small, that have different domain destinations for sale. These Internet agencies have pre-registered various addresses and currently own the rights to them. These rights owners then try to sell their products to any interested party or business.

Consumers will find that the cheapest domain names are available from agencies that not only offer registration and low cost domain names, but also offer a variety of online services as part of a packaged web page service. The additional services offered may be search engine optimization, website hosting, or traffic services. Inexpensive domain names are used as an agent to get consumers and customers to purchase other products and services. Often, these packaged services can be quite affordable, and offer even the novice website builder inexpensive options in owning and managing their own website. Any person or business today can have their own web identity with low cost domain names and other services available through these online agencies which are making technology more and more convenient.

As the World Wide Web continues to expand, businesses, and even families, are finding reasons to put up a web page. Advertising and trade are evolving with the use of the Internet and low cost domain names have become a big business online, with so many seeking to have their own Internet identity. Now, finding the cheapest domain names is easier than ever, and all business forecasts indicate that the Internet is where most industry trade will be accomplished in the future. Even the smallest of retail stores can benefit from having a website for their customers and clients to visit, and obtain information from.

When considering a website and looking for a unique Internet identification, be sure and keep a healthy Christian perspective about business. The Bible is clear about where our loyalties and where our priorities are to be, and that is upon the Lord, Jesus Christ. "Teach me O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight." (Psalm 119:33-35) God's first priority for our lives is that we seek Him and His ways. This truth includes our daily lives and the businesses that we conduct.

Internet Domain Name Registration Service

Internet domain name registration is available through solutions on the Web. Choosing an address that is easy to remember may provide easier recognition by viewers and result in more traffic to a website. The most popular extensions are .com and .net. Registering with several different extensions might help to keep the name chosen from competitors. Locking an address will protect it from being transferred to others. Putting one's name on a backorder list will give one the capability of knowing when a popular address becomes available to the public. A domain name registration service provides tools to assist one with decisions that need to be made regarding an Internet protocol address.

Create a website with the help of a starter web page provided through the company chosen for an Internet domain name registration. A starter web page shows name, contact info, and text content with standard templates. Tools are provided to easily arrange elements on a web page. Many sites that offer web hosting provide tools to help in the creation of a professional website. Free clip-art, templates, and the ability to resize and place elements on the site wherever desired is possible. Monitor settings can affect images. Most sites offer idea monitor resolution settings in using background images for optimal viewing.

Web hosting is oftentimes provided from companies that offer a domain name registration service. The least expensive way to buy a web hosting service is to be on a server with other companies. Dedicated servers cost more but provide more disk space and bandwidth. An Internet domain name registration may include domain parking. Reserving an address for future use is possible. This allows one to go ahead and acquire the desired domain name and work on finding a web hosting company and building a website at a later time. Accessing current needs helps in determining what type of web hosting service provides the best choices.

Email security is usually provided when purchasing Internet domain name registration. This protects custom and business email against spam and viruses. Email filters sort-incoming mail into various folders weeding out unwanted mail. Virus protection will scan all attachments to emails received for possible threats. Settings usually include the ability to automatically delete any attachments that are threats. When and if this happens let the sender know that there was a virus detected. The sender may be unaware that they are forwarding or sending a virus with their information. 

Merchant solutions might be something to check out with a domain name registration service. Merchant solutions will give one the ability to start selling products and services from a website. Solutions for marketing an online business usually include business email accounts, secure payment processing, shopping cart with checkout, product and services catalog, order tracking system, web hosting and various web design tools. Some companies online offer free consulting and support. There may be additional marketing services to consider when starting an online business. Some of these might include search engine optimization and affiliate programs.

Establishing a business online requires an Internet domain name registration. Think of a main keyword that can be used to provide an overall view for a website or business. Check out the competition online and see what they are doing. A domain name registration service will provide some tips when registering. Keep it as short and simple as possible. Pray and ask God to help with deciding on the best name to register. "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2). Ask friends and family about their ideas. 

Decide on the primary purpose for a website or business. Maybe one reason to have a website is to provide information to viewers. Some non-profit companies have websites that primarily promote ministry work. To cover their costs of operations they participate in affiliate programs or provide advertising to other companies who sell products and services. Considering the primary purpose for a website is important in trying to decide on a domain name registration service. 

Some companies online provide solutions for most website needs. They provide the capability of registering domains, web hosting solutions, marketing solutions, and technical resolutions. Doing a search on the Internet should provide one with many choices and ideas towards choosing the right domain address. Keep in mind that choosing the best name with the most exposure is going to be more profitable for a business and website. So don't choose one half-hazard. Taking one's time is crucial in making decisions that could mean the difference between success and failure. Start with a list of ones that are favorites already taken by the competition. Make a list of choices that are appealing and seek some advice before making a final decision.

Free Domain Names

Free domain names whose registrations have expired are available from a number of web hosting companies on the Internet to anyone who wishes to pick one of them for just the cost of registration. Web hosting services are also available from these companies, so apparently that is how they remain viable businesses. Businesses start up and close down at a rapid rate, according to at least one of the web sites, because they say there are thousands of domain names that expire every week. A lot of companies resell expired names, so if a businessman is looking for cheap domain names (though not free), there are a number of choices for those as well.

Anyone in business tries to watch expenses, so it is worth the time spent searching through the available free domain names to see if there is one that fits his needs. If there are none that seem appropriate, then the cheap names would be the next to search through. Depending upon the business, finding free names could be easy or difficult. An individual website very likely will just want to register his own name for his domain, but a business might want something that is eye-catching to draw new customers to his site. The companies offering the free list will have the names divided by specific commercial topics, which should make the time spent in the search more reasonable. As diverse as businesses can be, one would hate to search through things appropriate for a hardware store, for instance, when the business you have is a dress shop.

Although the companies offering the free names or cheap domain names do not require that you use them to host your website, they do offer the service. Unless there is good reason for not using them (check their reputation before signing up), it is probably the easiest way to get everything taken care of in one place. Register the new domain name with the company for a fee, then sign up for their services hosting the website and getting the business listed on the Internet. The domain name chosen could be a better draw than the business owner had thought of himself. An exception to that would be if the business had a particularly well-known advertising slogan; then it would be wise to have that included in the domain name--in which case, the search for a free or cheap domain name would be omitted. Television and magazine ads have examples of that all the time.

If an individual wants to steer away from "free" because past experience has shown him that free things sometimes end up costing more in the end, then it is still economically wise to look into the availability of cheap domain names. One doesn't have to pay really high prices for a domain name. It might be a good thing to mention here that both kinds of companies offer guarantees of satisfaction to their customers, which is reassuring. 

At least one company offering free domain names requires that you earn points by buying from their sponsors first. After buying books, CDs, beauty creams, etc. adding up to 100 points, you are then eligible to choose a free name for your web domain. That effectively takes the "free" out of the transaction, but if there is something on that website that a person really wants anyway, then it wouldn't be a bad deal. Ostensibly, they could still qualify as cheap domain names. Careful evaluation of one's personal situation will be the deciding factor in that one. Choices appear in our lives every day, but none are more dramatic than the choices made by the apostles in the New Testament: "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19)

There are U.S. companies that have an international flair, or sell imported products of a certain kind who would want their free domain name to reflect that quality. Free domain names and cheap domain names are accessible to clients worldwide, so it is possible to find something appropriate without paying a lot for it. Internet availability increases both risks and opportunities in just about every field, so it is up to the consumer to be cautious while at the same time taking advantage of the pluses that will help a business to grow. Since the domain name has replaced some of the media advertising of times past, it is clear that domain name choices are important.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Domain Registration

Domain registration is the road that leads to the Internet. Registering an address is a gateway to enterprise on the Web. Having an address online allows others to access one's website and initiate contact. Acquiring an address online serves to identify a business to all Internet users. There are many domain extensions to choose from when choosing an address. Some popular extensions are .com, .net, and org. Low cost domains offer multi-year terms at a cheaper price.

Choosing a name for a website is a very important task. Choosing an address that is short and easy to remember may be a good way to decide on the name to use. Think about branding when choosing an address. Try to understand how a visitor may associate the name with a site. If possible include the name of a website in the address that is chosen. Domain registration is a good idea even if a website isn't up and running. When one comes up with a good name it is wise to go ahead and register it and work on the website later so it is possible to secure the name chosen.

Companies online that offer low cost domains may also offer web hosting and free website design software. Free website building tools may help in presenting professionalism on a website. Templates are included with software and the ability to add content and easy navigation features for visitors. Customize with a theme that matches the products and services offered. For a site that offers gardening supplies customize with colors of a garden by using greens and browns predominately. Choose graphics that highlight items sold. Software has many choices on design and features to build an attractive site. 

Choose a company that offers domain registration at a reasonable price. Most sites offer rates based upon a yearly amount. There are many good choices online that offer low cost domains. Do a comparison of different companies before making a final decision. Consider using the same company that provides hosting for a website as well as registration of a name. Talk to others that use companies online and get some advice on the service they recommend.

Visiting various sites online will give one some good ideas on choosing low cost domains and how to choose an appealing name for a website. Sites that are less busy and have good designs are the ones visitors like to view. Check out the competition's website for some ideas. See what is bringing success to others by doing some surfing online. Use wisdom with an Internet business. Pray and ask God to provide guidance on the best ways to start up a business on the Internet and make it successful. "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success" (Joshua 1:8).

Bring in some extra income for a website by participating in affiliate programs through various companies. Affiliate programs will pay a commission to other companies who bring business to their site. There are many companies online that offer affiliate programs. Providing a link to another's website might be something to do that appeals to visitors. Say someone is surfing a website for garden supplies and on the site there is a link to information about gardening. By clicking on this link they will be visiting another site that one is an affiliate partner with. If this same visitor buys a product or service then a commission is earned and profit increases for both companies.

Look for a site that offers domain registration where making changes doesn't cost. Some companies online offer the ability to add, remove, and change an address at no cost. One that offers support with any difficulties encountered is very attractive to do business with. Many companies offer telephone support and live chat support when needing assistance. It is important to find out how long it takes a company to provide feedback to any questions asked. Doing business with a reputable company that cares about clients is the best way to go when deciding on whom to do business with on low cost domains.

Make a statement on the Internet by choosing a name for a website that is easy to remember and ties in with the business it is associated with. In other words, choose a name that makes people think of the products or services offered on the site. It would be wise to get some marketing advice when applying for domain registration. Some companies provide tips on how to choose the best address. Many of these companies offer registration services and have been in business for an extended period of time. Do some research online before making a final decision on an address for a website.

DNS Management Tools

The Internet can be a daunting place without DNS management tools. A DNS, or domain name system, is about connection. Since the Internet is basically a massive set of connections between computers all across the globe, there needs to be some kind of mapping system to help users find their way around. This mapping system comes in the form of host names and various Internet protocol, or IP, addresses. These names and numbers are linked. Since such systems allow the user to create a host name that is connected to a specific IP address, utilizing a quality dynamic DNS management service is very important. A DNS system allows other Internet users to find specific web sites. The Bible talks about the importance of seeking God. "But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29)

At least two parts make up a domain name, the top level and the subdomain. For example, if a web site is called www.explainthis.com, "com" is the top level domain. Other possible top levels, in addition to .com, which stands for commerce, could include org., which stands for organization, or .net, which stand for network. There can be many subdomains in any domain name, and these are located to the left of the top level, but there is generally a limit of sixty seven characters total, with four usually going to the top level and leaving sixty three characters for the subdomain. Under the umbrella of one host name can be any number of Internet protocol addresses that are linked to that domain. A host name could be something like www.whatsmyname.com while an Internet protocol address would be a series of numbers that range from 0 to 255 and are separated by periods. Each host name is associated with an IP address. For the average person, understanding how a dynamic DNS management service functions can be confusing. The help of professionals in this area can make all the difference. There are many service providers available that can help the consumer in this area and can provide useful DNS management tools. 

Among the services that a dynamic DNS management service might offer could include helping the client choose a domain name and get it registered, aide a client in removing an Internet protocol address from a blacklist, provide customer support, or provide e-mail forwarding and web forwarding. If a consumer simply wants to register a specific name without launching any accompanying web site, these providers can help them do this as well. Other features that these services may offer could include helping clients come up with new aliases and hosts, preventing unwanted web site down time when needed changes are occurring, supplying tutorials and other materials that help the client understand how these systems work, and help a client change web hosting services with minimal complications. Many services also address security issues and will offer spam filtering and keep updated spam blacklists as part of its e-mail forwarding service. One thing to keep in mind when shopping around for businesses that specialize in various DNS management tools is longevity. A potential client needs to know that a business of this nature is going to be in it for the long haul. 

For the computer user who is interested in a dynamic DNS management service, there are a wide variety of providers who can help. Dynamic management refers to names that are linked to IP addresses that change. Some computers use Internet protocol addresses that do not change. These are called static Internet protocol addresses. In a dynamic system, these addresses do not remain static, but can change. The reason that this happens is that under a dynamic system, an Internet user is assigned one of a group of unused IP addresses when they log on to the web. That address remains with the user for just one single Internet visit. Providers will generally utilize an application that can dynamically pull unused IP addresses from a pool. Basically, a dynamic service is an extra feature that is added on top of the basic domain name service. The cost of these services may come in the form of a monthly subscription fee that is generally only a few dollars a month. 

Other DNS management tools that a consumer might find useful are special software products that can be used to run a system. Some of these applications function as diagnostic utilities. Many programs offer automated features and can go a long way toward saving time and cutting down on human error. Among the features that are offered by this type of software are automated address allocation, policies that are defined by the user, and forecasting and trending for address utilization. The availability of special templates means that configuring the server can be a much simpler process. Additional features could include multi homed hosts, multi tiered addressing, DNS configuration verification, and dynamic capabilities. In the area of address managing, some applications allow the user to define hierarchy according to their own needs such as geography and topology. Automated reporting to regional Internet registries is another helpful feature. If a user wishes to track subnets, IP addresses, resource records or other information, some programs offer audit reporting elements. Whatever needs a consumer might have in this area, there are an abundance of services and applications that can meet those needs and can help take the mystery out of participating in the World Wide Web.

Buy Cheap Domains

Buy a domain name that is original to a personal site if possible in order to insure ease of registration, inexpensive cost to purchase and possible branding benefits from that special name. Cheap domains can be purchased through many online registration services that are found among the many web hosting companies as well as through other auction sources. If not fortunate enough to come up with a personalized, unique web name that hasn't already been purchased, there are still many others available. In order to buy a web site name that satisfies the business or personal use, calculate what is budgeted to spend for this expense. This will determine where to search for the right name when ready to buy a name for the personal or business use website.

Most hosting services provide easy registration through their provider which includes searches for cheap domains that may be still be available. With the explosion of websites both for personal and business use, the process is getting more and more difficult to buy a domain name that is simple and easy to affix to each individual's site. Creativity may be the best partner in determining the best web name. When deciding to purchase an online moniker, one may find that the exact one being looked for has already been purchased. With a little thought, one may be able to come up with a really good alternative that may be just as good or better than the one that got away!

Many different hosting companies offer various deals on these inexpensive options depending on website hosting packages available and for the number of years desired to retain the site. Some companies offer free web site handles with the purchase of their hosting packages and some require only a nominal fee in order to purchase one that the new web host is satisfied with. A web title can be purchased by the month or by the year. That really just depends on what the hosting company is offering with their packages as well as separate cheap website purchases.

There are other ways to buy a domain besides through hosting companies when purchasing a hosting package. There are many investors who have purchased multiple site titles that they believe will bring them a profit when webmasters bid on the names. Sometimes these are not cheap domains as the price for investor purchased site labels can cost into the hundreds or thousands of dollars. It will depend on how important a particular online presence though the site's title is to the company, product or personal use as to whether a new web host will be willing to pay a Internet speculator the price asked to buy his or her requested web title.

Search for cheap domain names that have been in use but have already expired. These can be purchased for the price of most first time purchases. This type of online purchase can provide names that are easily registered. For listings of those titles that are available to buy, or to look for a web title which has expired, search the whois in order to find an extensive listing. If anything is found that would work for a potential website, arrange to purchase the suitable name. By checking the online search, it is possible to make sure that it has not already been purchased. This is one of the easiest ways to find cheap domains that can be purchased as easily as a brand new name.

There are other ways to find a variety of available web titles: through auction places, brokers, ad sites, and many other sources that may advertise expired or newly listed domain names. The process to find cheap domains from places that purchase and sell these labels is more difficult, because obviously, their business is to make a profit from the sales. If attempting to purchase a label that has product branding in its name, most likely the cost to buy a domain of that caliber will be for much more than a normal purchase. There are times when businesses have a specific need for a domain name that is already in use. If that need outweighs the purchase price, then certainly, the reasonable thing to do is to approach the person that holds the registration with an offer.

Some registrants will sell their web titles to a person who approaches them to make a purchase. While not as common, if the price is right, many registrants will sell the name. For some businesses, purchasing cheap domain names is not a priority, instead, one that provides quick name recognition and marketability is most important. When ready to buy a domain, check out the many online sources for business or personal use. "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches" (Proverbs 22:1).

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