Domain Name Frequently Asked Questions

What is a domain name?

A domain name is a unique address used for email and web sites on the Internet. It is made up of a stem of your choice (eg xyz), and a domain suffix or type of your choice (eg .co.uk). The domain stem can only contain letters, numbers and hyphens. It is generally advisable to choose a domain stem that is short, and easy to remember. An example of a domain name would therefore be xyz.co.uk. This can then be used to create email addresses, eg enquiries@xyz.co.uk, and a website, eg www.xyz.co.uk

Why do I need a domain name?

The Internet is fast becoming as crucial in the business world as the telephone and the fax. Domain names are the means by which the facilities of the Internet are personalised by a business or an individual. The Internet's surging popularity for business and personal use has caused a huge increase in the number of domain names being secured. The only way to protect your interest on the Internet is to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Am I already protected on the Internet if I have a business name or a limited company?

No, the Internet is totally separate in this regard. The only way to protect your interest is to register a domain name, effectively taking it off the market. Domain names are registered on a 'first come first served' basis.

Which domain type should I choose?

Some domain names are classed as International domains or generic top-level domains, such as .com, .org and .net and others are classed as UK domains such as .co.uk and .org.uk. There is no real difference in their function as all are visible from anywhere in the world. However, the international ones can signify a more international bias in business and the UK ones, a UK bias.

Which domain types have restrictions?

Certain domain types have stringent criteria to be met. Examples of this are .ltd.uk and .plc.uk domain names whose owners must be a Private Limited Company or a Public Limited Company respectively. The company name must also match the stem of the domain name. For further details, please call us on 01904 783101 or visit the page describing the various domain name types.

How much will a domain name cost me and how long is the registration period?

Our registration period is for 2 years. You will be given the option to renew prior to expiration of the registration period. The cost of registering or renewing an international domain (eg .com, .org, .net) is £60 + VAT and for the UK domains (eg .co.uk, .org.uk) the cost is £30 + VAT. You can view the prices of our internet services including all domain names.

What can I do with my domain name?

A domain name is a prerequisite for hosting a website. Domain names can also be used for setting up email accounts, eg, info@abc.com, or forwarding to another existing email account, eg, email addressed to info@abc.com can be forwarded to mail@def.com.

Who will be the owner of the domain name?

You will remain the owner (registrant) of the domain name for the registration period after you pay the registration or renewal fee.

Can anyone else register my domain name?

Once you have registered the domain name of your choice, it is no longer available on the open market and anyone wishing to enquire about it would have to approach you. It is of course important to renew the domain name when it expires as the domain name will re-appear on the open market if it is not renewed.

How long does it take to register a domain name?

Once we have obtained the necessary information, a .co.uk or a .com domain name can be registered almost instantaneously. Other domain names such as .ltd.uk may take longer as the information is subject to more stringent checks.