Domain Names - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a domain name?
A domain name is a unique or individual internet address.

Do I need a domain name?
No, you don't. But it sure makes it easier for your customers to remember www.hot-rod.com.au than www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/4757 or www.vicnet.net.au/~dlra

What do all the parts mean?

Server Name - The server name is just that the name given to the remote Internet Server or Host. Usually it will be www, but it could be anything, such as host, ftp, mail. Typically different servers can be given different names.

The Company or Organisation Name - The company or organisation name. This can be an abbreviation or trading name, but must be unique and relate to the business and not breach any other business or trading names. You cannot register place names or groups eg. www.melbourne.com.au or www.architects.com.au

Domain Group - To make provision for enough web addresses and to categorize the types of organisations their area number of domain groups. Typically companies use .com, organisations .org and service providers .net. But their are others and as most of the popular the domain names become taken, their are now companies who offer non-standard domain names like .au.com
NOTE : To be granted a .com, you must have a registered business or be trading under that name

Country - Every country has it's own unique identifying suffix to a domain address, except for the USA which has none. So for example Australia is .au, Japan is .jp. This can also be an easy way of approximately identifying where in the world a company is located.

User ID - These types of addresses appear where a company or individual has a website, but no domain name. They are using or piggy backing off the domain name of their service provider. This is certainly not as professional or easy to remember as your business or trading name and these types of addresses can get very long. eg http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/4757/gmw.html

What names can I apply for?
usually your own business or trading name, such as www.gmw-consult.com.au, www.antiquetyres.com.au, www.enginecentre.com.au. But it could be anything you want, so long as it's not already taken by someone else or it's not a registered Business Name, Trading Name or Trademark of another company. The possibilities are limited only by the association with your business and your imagination. You will be required to provide your ACN or ABN and other information which associates you with the business.

Who can apply for a domain name?
Anyone can apply for a Domain Name, however normally it will be the company who is building your web site. There are actually two parts to the application, firstly securing your choosen domain name and secondly delegating this domain name to the appropriate network location. This delegation can require some technical knowledge.

How much does it cost?
Australian (.com.au) Domain Names currently cost $125AU. Plus a $50AU once only application fee. Then $125AU every two years after that.
Or you can opt for an International name (.com) and typically this will cost $75US. Plus $50 application fee and $75 every two years after that.

How long does my registration last?
Once you register a domain name, it's yours for as long as you continue to pay your renewal fees. Which is every two years.