The following section contains the most Frequently Asked Questions concerning domain names. Click on a question and it will take you down to the subject you're interested in. Click on the Back To Top button to look for another question. If you don't find an answer to your question, be sure to Contact Us and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

What is a domain name?

What is a "Top-Level Domain" (TLD)?

What are the rules for registering a domain name?

Who can register a domain name?

How can I check if the name I want is available?

How do I register a domain name?

What is domain name parking?

I don't have a web site. Can I still register a domain name?

Do I own the domain name once I register it?

Do I get web space or e-mail with my domain name registration?

How do I associate my domain name with a web site?

Who is ICANN?

What about those "new" domain names?

How can Raptorlinks help me get a domain name ?


What is a domain name?

A domain name is textual representation of the numeric IP address used to locate specific areas of the Internet. It's easier to remember a name than the series of numbers that make up an IP address.


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What is a "Top-Level Domain" (TLD)?

A Top Level Domain (TLD) is the extension that is attached at the end of your domain name. For example in raptorlinks.com, ".com" is the Top-Level Domain. The most common TLDs available are:

.com (intended for commercial use and is the most popular extension)
.net (intended for networks)
.org (intended for non-commercial organizations)

Other TLDs, such as .edu (for education) .mil (for military) and .gov (for government), are not available to the general public.


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What are the rules for registering a domain name?

There are a few guidelines to follow:

- It cannot exceed 63 characters (that does not include the TLD extension)
- It must begin and end with either a number or letter
- It cannot contain any special characters/symbols (hyphens excluded)
- It cannot be case sensitive (upper and lower case are read the same on the Internet)
- It cannot include spaces


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Who can register a domain name?

Anyone who wants to establish a presence on the Internet or merely secure a domain name for future use can register a domain name. Again, it is important to register your name through an ICANN certified registrar. (All of the domain name registrars at RaptorLinks are ICANN certified.)


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How can I check if the name I want is available?

Most of the registrars on our Compare Domain Name Registrars page have a "WHOIS" search to help you determine if the domain name you want is available. In addition, if the name you want if taken, many of these registrars also have a "suggest a name" utility that can help you choose an alternate name.


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How do I register a domain name?

Through an ICANN certified domain name registrar. You can evaluate the features of all registrars on our Compare Domain Name Registrars page.


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What is domain name parking?

Every domain name has to be directed to a computer server somewhere. Until you get web hosting you can usually "park" your domain name with the registrar. Many registrars offer a "coming soon" page while your domain name is parked.


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I don't have a web site. Can I still register a domain name?

Yes. Some of the domain name registrars on our list will park the domain name for you at no cost. Some charge a small fee for parking the name.


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Do I own the domain name once I register it?

Yes, absolutely. You have the right to use the name as long as you pay the yearly fee required. If you just register a name for 1 year, you must renew it before it expires or someone else can register the name. Many name registrars offer multi-year registration, which in most cases include a discount.


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Do I get web space or e-mail with my domain name registration?

This is typically provided for an extra charge. Many domain name registrars offer combination packages that include your domain name, an e-mail account, and one or more web pages. These package deals vary widely. Please refer to our Compare Package Deals page to find the plan best suited to your needs.


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How do I associate my domain name with a web site?

Once you have registered your domain name you can connect it to your web site via a web hosting service. As previously stated, many registrars offer "starter" web sites for an extra charge that are automatically tied to your domain name. For more advanced web sites you will need to contact a web hosting company. They will generally assist you in "pointing" your domain name to their DNS so it connects to your web pages.


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Who is ICANN?

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a non-profit corporation that has responsibility for the IP address space allocation, protocol parameter assignment, domain name system management, and root server system management. They also oversee the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). If your domain name is not registered with an ICANN accredited registrar, it is not protected under this policy. RaptorLinks features only ICANN certified registrars.


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What about those "new" domain names?

You are no longer limited to the .com, .net, and .org extensions. You can now get one of 30 new domain name extensions so you can choose a domain that accurately describes your site. Some of the new domain extensions include:
.arts   .golf   .school   .church   .family   .chat   .video   .shop
.sport   .club   .law  .travel   .game   .free   .ltd   .tech   .agent
auction   .love   .inc   .kids   .med   .xxx


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How can Raptorlinks help me get a domain name ?

Raptorlinks is not a provider of Domain names. The Raptorlinks.com web site is positioned as a free, comparitive service to help you locate an authorized, ICANN certified domain registrar. Please compare prices and features, then select the registrar of your choice by clicking the appropriate link from the Registrars or Packages page.

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