How much do you know about domain names? You know you pay a few dollars a year for them but that might be about it. Here are five things you might not know about domain names:
- The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a non-profit company that formed in 1998. They manage and coordinate all domain names to make sure each address is unique and that internet users can find all legitimate addresses. They accredit registrars (like Go Daddy or Network Solutions) who sell the names online.
- When you buy a domain name, you are actually registering it. All of your details (name, company name, address, etc.) are recorded in a central database. >
- This database is a central repository called WHOIS. This information is available for anyone to view.
- If you value your domain name, keep it current by maintaining payment and contact information. If you do not, after 42 days the name goes back “on the block” which means anyone can claim it and you will lose it for the lack of a few dollars.
- Make sure the domain is registered in your name or your company name.