Like a telephone number, a Domain name is a unique Identifier that points to a certain site on the World Wide Web. Each computer on the Internet has a unique numeric Internet Protocol (IP) address such as 168.210.2.2 . These numbers are not user-friendly and give no indication as to what this address contains.
A domain name is a mnemonic that is not only a lot easier to remember but that could also indicate what the Web Site contains. It is easier to remember hotorange.co.za than 196.26.208.173.
Typically, Domain Names operate like telephone dialing codes in reverse. The first portion of the name points to a specific site, the second points to the broad category the site falls in and the third portion is the country code where the site is registered. For example, absa.co.za refers to Absa Bank's Web site. This site is registered in the commercial (co) domain in South Africa (za).
In all countries there are Domain Name Servers, computers that will take the Domain Name and look up the relevant Internet Protocol Address and feed this address back to your computer so that it can connect with the site you wish to visit.
Why should I register a Domain Name?
Every year companies spend millions building up names or brands and images linked to these names. It is sensible to register this name and to protect the branded investment and to give Internet Customers a Domain Name they know.
This is more so the case where a company's name is a generic word with other meanings or uses. This is a powerful brand name that most people immediately link to database systems but there is nothing preventing a spiritual medium from registering a website under this name and providing prophecies. Such a medium would be proven correct if they prophesied that a certain IT Company would soon be offering him a vast sum of money for his Domain Name.
In the case of well-known registered trademarks and brand names, a company may resort to legal steps to retrieve such names from any person that has wrongfully registered the name as a Domain Name. Even this could involve litigation, an expensive and time-consuming exercise. Compare this to the cost of registering a Domain Name in South Africa's co.za domain, a mere R342.00 (VAT inclusive) for the first year.
How do I register my Domain Name?
The Domain Name can be hosted with an ISP such as HotOrange. We will complete the Registration Form on your behalf. We take or all the technical stuff so you don't have to. Simply email sales@hotorange.co.za and we will contact you to complete the registration.
Registering a Domain Name is only the first step to participation in one of the largest emerging marketplaces. A registered domain name is nothing more than an address and, if visitors should turn up at this address a few times only to see "UNDER CONSTRUCTION", chances are that they may never return. We are all professionals and we would offer guidance through the process of registration and advice on all matters regarding setting up a professional, attractive and successful Website.
Can I choose any Domain Name?
What's in a name? Well, technically, the letters in the alphabet (A - Z) and the numbers (0 - 9) and the hyphen (-) may be used and there should be no more than 30 characters in the domain name. The technical limit is 256 characters but we have imposed a practical limit of 30 characters.
Having said that, however, it is important to remember that the domain name may be used as part of the URL to access your web page (www) or as part of an e-mail address. Whether the domain name is chosen for a Company's presence on the Web or for pleasure, the same guidelines and rules apply.
Let's use a hypothetical example: I have taken over the family business "Michael Salibas and Sons". The business has been operating for several years and has an established and growing customer base. I decide to register a domain and put up a web page. I can either register michaelsalibasandsons.co.za or mss.co.za .
The logo for my business cards and Letterheads has the letters "MSS" in a fancy flowing light blue font with a red line running across the letters. Why? Because it is CATCHY and people will REMEMBER it. The same rules apply to a domain name. It is easier to remember and "catchier" to have www.mss.co.za than to have www.michaelsalibasandsons.co.za .
By the way, the domain MSS.CO.ZA is already registered and belongs to "Medical System Support(Pty)LTD" so I would have to come up with another Domain Name.
How do I check if the Domain Name is available?
Now that a suitable Domain Name has been selected, it is advisable to check if it is available for registration by using the WHOIS SERVER on the CO.ZA web page http://co.za and typing in the Domain Name that is to be checked and hitting ENTER. If the Domain Name is available, then the web page will display something like this. The results below are for the Domain Name "tomjones.co.za":
If, on the other hand, the Domain Name is taken by someone, the web page will display different results. The WHOIS SERVER will also provide the Contact Details for the particular Domain Name. This result is for the Domain Name "jones.co.za":
Where do I find the Application Form?
Now that a Domain Name has been selected and checked that it is available for use, the next step is to download the APPLICATION FORM.
This is not an Online Form so the form will have to be saved onto a Hard Drive.
This can be done by Clicking on FILE and SAVE AS and Selecting the folder (or a Directory for all those NON-Windows people) where the file will be saved and clicking on SAVE. The file name can be renamed but it is advisable to leave the file name as is.
What Information will I need to complete the Form?
The Contact Details for the Domain Owner, the Administrative Contact, and the banking Details for the Domain Name are required. The contact details will include postal addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers and e-mail addresses. The e-mail address of the organization (or individual) that will be billed for the registration is also required. Once done you can email sales@hotorange.co.za and we will verify the details for you and submit for registration.
