FAQ - Domain Names:

  • What is a domain name?
    A domain name is your address on the Internet. Much like your home address, you give your Internet address out to people you want to visit you. A domain name is linked to a numerical address, called an IP address (e.g. 209.207.168.30) through domain name servers. A domain name server is used to translate a domain name into an IP address. Domain names consist of at least two parts, the actual name, and the hierarchy to which it belongs. The hierarchies available for public use are .com, Net, and .org. There are now also other top level domains available such as .cc, .to, .info, .biz, and more.
  • How do I get my own domain name?
    When you sign up for an account at Web Solutions Australia, all you need to do is decide on the domain name you want, and check its availability. We give you the option of choosing your own registrar or having us register your domain name for you.
    • What are the limitations for domain names?
      Domain names must be 67 characters or less including the top level domain suffix, such as ".com", at the end. A domain name must start and end with a letter or a number and may be composed of letters, numbers, or the dash, "-", character. Underscores are not allowed. A top level suffix must be an acceptable TLD (Top Level Domain) such as .com, Net, .org, Info, Biz or other acceptable TLD. Some TLD's will require additional proof for compliance to use the TLD. Domains in the .edu TLD fall under this classification.
  • Who is the InterNIC?
    Prior to September 1999 any references to InterNIC always referred to an independent organization responsible for maintaining the domain name registry. Since then, the term has taken on a more loosely defined meaning. Generally the term will always refer to the domain name registry process.
    • Registrar, Registry, Registrant what are these?
      Registrar: A "Registrar" (or "Domain Name Registrar") is an organization like Network Solutions that has control over the granting of domains within certain TLDs (top level domains, like the generic .com., org., Net or country-specific .ca,.us., mx etc.).
      Registry: The 'Registry' is the backend that registrar's have shared access to. Each registrar writes new names to a central registry database, from which the authoritative root (essentially, a database of all names on the Internet) is built.
      Registrant: A registrant is the person or company who purchases a domain name. For example, Jessica Smith (registrant) registers the name jessicasmith.com through OpenSRS (registrar) who in turn writes the name to the central database (Registry).
  • How long will my domain name registration take?
    Once InterNIC confirms that your domain name registration has been approved, it takes approximately 1-3 business days before it is active. All Internet providers must update their records (DNS tables) to reflect new site locations. This is called propagation. Total turnaround on a new domain name is typically 3-5 business days. InterNIC considers a change in hosting services as a modification. Domain modifications usually take longer than registering a new domain, due to the fact that the current administrative or technical contact for the domain must acknowledge the modification request. Delays can also occur when your current provider does not approve the transfer request from InterNIC.
    • How do I transfer my domain name to Web Solutions Australia?
      If your registrar has given you a username/password for accessing your domain record then you can login to their web interface and submit the transfer request.

      You should keep the service with your current provider while waiting for your registrar to complete the transfer process. We will provide you with a temporary IP address so you can upload pages to your server. All email and web pages will still be accessed from your current site. Once your transfer has been completed there is a 24-72 hour propagation period in which visitors could go to either site. At the end of the period you should contact your previous host to have them delete the old domain from their records and update their DNS record. If you use this same provider for your Internet access you will not be able to access your domain site until they update their DNS.
  • Will my existing web site go down during a domain name transfer?
    Not if you follow this procedure:
     
    1. Sign up with us
    2. Submit a transfer request with your Registrar
    3. Upload you pages to our server
    4. Wait 3-5 days. Once you see your transfer is complete:
    5. Cancel with your previous host

    During the 3-5 day propagation period you will have two web sites live on the Internet. During this period your visitors will go to one site or the other.

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  • Who is the InterNIC?
    The InterNIC is an independent organization responsible for holding the registration and routing of Internet domain names. Registration fee is US$70 for the first two years and US$35/year thereafter for your virtual domain name.     Web Solutions Australia.com offers the same service for AUD$30.00 per year! Click here to contact us if you're interested in registering your domain name with us.
  • How do I make changes to my domain name record?
    Each domain name registrar varies. Contact your registrar or check their web site for details of their procedure.
  • Who does a registered domain name actually belong to?
    Domain names are not truly owned -- they're leased out on a first-come, first-served basis, and remain with the initial lessee until either a) the lessee does not renew the name, or b) a business with a trademark of the same name demonstrates a greater claim to the name than the lessee can demonstrate. The question is better phrased as 'who can control the domain name'. The answer is the domain's Administrative Contact. This is usually specified by the registrant during the registration process; however, as each registrar may have slightly different policies in this matter, please consult individual registrars websites for full details.
  • How much control do domain owners have over their domain?
    Domain owners, in general, have full control over their domain names. This means that the domain owner has the power to: a) Change admin/technical and billing contacts for the domain. b) Change ownership of the domain. c) Change the nameservers that are authoritative for the domain. d) Create sub-users and enable them to change some/all of the options in a, b and c above. e) Change the password that enables a, b, c, and d above.
    Again, the amount of control is determined by the actual registrar.
  • What's the difference between .com, Net, .org domain names?
    Originally, the three letter extensions after the dot (or Top Level Domain/TLD) were meant to denote whether the domain name was being used for business (.com) charity/non-profit (.org) or for a technology based company (Net). However, with the explosion of the Internet (and specifically, the world wide web) as a new business medium, the lines were blurred, and companies and individuals alike started cross-registering domains (i.e.. Me.com, me.net, me.org) just to protect their interests. Now, .com, Net, and .org names (the generic Top Level Domains) can be used for any purpose.

    • Check for any Domain name here
    Looking for a .au address ?Domain searching
    Web Solutions Australia offers the .au namespace.
     

     The current rate for a .com.au domain name is $75 for 2 years



    To purchase a .com.au Domain Name click here