The following is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the domain name registration process and the new competitive registration environment. It is expected that this list will be updated frequently, so please check back often.
- What is a domain name?
- What does it mean to "register" a domain name?
- How can I get a domain name in .com, .net or .org?
- What is involved in registering a domain name in .com, .net or .org?
- What is the process for submitting the required registration information?
- Will my name and contact information be publicly available?
- How long does a registration last? Can it be renewed?
- How much does a domain-name registration name cost?
- When do I have to pay for my domain name?
- Someone else has registered my company's name as a .com domain name. What is the process for resolving my complaint?
- Are .com, .net, and .org domain names available for registration on a global basis?
1. What is a domain name?
Domain names are the familiar, easy to remember names for computers on the Internet (such as1st-year-free.com). They correspond to a series of numbers (called Internet Protocol numbers) that serve as routing addresses on the Internet. Domain names are used generally as a convenient way of locating information and reaching others on the Internet.
2. What does it mean to "register" a domain name?
The Internet Domain Name System (DNS) consists of a directory, organized hierarchically, of all the domain names and their corresponding computers registered to particular companies and persons using the Internet. When you register a domain name, it will be associated with the computer on the Internet you designate during the period the registration is in effect.
3. How can I get a domain name in .com, .net or .org?
Use 1st-year-free.com Domain Search to see if domain names ending with .com, .net or .org are available. Then proceed through the short automated process. When complete, you have control over your domain name for the length of whichever period you registered for (typically two or more years).
4. What is involved in registering a domain name in .com, .net or .org?
To register a domain name, you will be asked to provide various Contact information that makes up the registration record. The Registrar will then keep records of the contact information and submit the technical information to a central directory known as the "Registry." This Registry provides other computers on the Internet the information necessary to send you e-mail or to find your web site. You will also be required to enter a registration contract with the Registrar, which sets forth the terms under which your registration is accepted and will be maintained.
5. What is the process for submitting the required registration information?
1st-year-free.com offers web-based registration services. Use the process on-line to easily register any Domain Names you wish.
6. Will my name and contact information be publicly available?
Yes. Information about who is responsible for domain names is publicly available to allow rapid resolution of technical problems and to permit enforcement of consumer protection, trademark, and other laws. This information available to the public on the 1st-year-free.com "WhoIs" site.
7. How long does a registration last? Can it be renewed?
Currently, the initial registration period is two years. Existing registrations can be renewed one year at a time. Expect to see 1st-year-free.com offer the flexibility of initial and renewal registrations in one-year increments, with a total registration period limit of ten years.
8. How much does a domain-name registration name cost?
1st-year-free.com offers two years of domain name registration for only $35.00. This is possible because we have arranged to give you the first year free and charge you only for the second year. There are no other fees to register a domain name using 1st-year-free.com. There are NO additional InterNic fees. Each Registrar sets the price it charges for registering names, and prices vary significantly among different registrars. The historical standard fee has been $35.00 US per year with the first two years payable in advance. Be careful not to pay an application fee in addition to the standard fees.
9. When do I have to pay for my domain name?
Before your domain name becomes active, you must provide a credit card number. This requirement enhances the availability of domain names by preventing them from being tied up by persons not intending to pay for registration.
10. Someone else has registered my company's name as a .com domain name. What is the process for resolving my complaint?
All ICANN-accredited Registrars follow a uniform dispute resolution policy. Under that policy, disputes over entitlement to a domain-name registration are ordinarily resolved by court litigation between the parties claiming rights to the registration. Once the court rules who is entitled to the registration, the registrar will implement that ruling. In disputes arising from registrations allegedly made abusively (such as "cybersquatting" and cyberpiracy"), the uniform policy provides an expedited administrative procedure to allow the dispute to be resolved without the cost and delays often encountered in court litigation. In these cases, you can invoke the administrative procedure by filing a complaint with one of the dispute-resolution service providers listed at http://www.icann.org/udrp/udrp.htm
11. Are .com, .net, and .org domain names available for registration on a global basis?
Yes. The .com, .net, and .org domains are available for registration by Internet users across the globe.
