A domain name is an ‘easy to remember’, logical naming convention or ‘ identification tag’ that maps a host name to an IP (Internet Protocol) address through services such as a Domain Name System (DNS), providing for resource links (URL: Universal Resource Locators), such as website addresses.

Domain names may come in various formats and will allow online users to find your website though unique naming conventions or identity labels. Website addresses can have a variety of extensions appended to the host name that will render them unique to those of similar domain naming conventions. For example, your website domain name can end in one of many standardized domain name extensions such as: .com, .net, .co, .org, .ac, .biz, .mobi, .tv, .co.uk, .co.za etc.

In order to have your own unique website address, your preferred host name will need to be reserved with an available domain name extension. There are many websites offering services for the reserving of website domain names for the various domain naming conventions.

Please keep in mind, when registering your domain name, you will be required to select a reservation period that will entitle you to a limited ownership term. You can also select options such as ‘auto-renewal’ or ‘manual renewal’ for your reserved domain name on expiry. If not renewed on expiry, the domain name will become available for public purchase and online users may have enabled an alert to make purchase of your domain when it expires. Therefore, if you have not re-purchased your reserved domain prior to or on expiration, you may end up losing it temporarily, indefinitely or having to buy it back at a predetermined price from the new owner. Please ensure you have carefully selected all desired options when reserving your preferred domain name.

If your preferred domain name is not available, you will either have to choose another domain name, wait for the expiry of the registration period for your preferred domain name or make contact with the registrar and negotiate a purchase price for your desired domain name (website address).

Once you have reserved a domain name, you will also own the email naming convention for that particular domain name – i.e. joe.bloggs@yourdomain.com. Multiple individual email accounts can be created making full use of your reserved domain name.

You will also be able to create sub-domains from your root (primary) domain. For example, you will be able to create a sub-domain such as:

• www.yourdomain.com (Primary or root domain)
• www.articles.yourdomain.com (Sub-domain)

If you require assistance with any of your domain name reservation needs, contact the relevant service provider or feel free to contact us.