faq − domain names
What is a domain name and why should I register one?
Which domain type should I choose?
How do I pick a name?
What characters can I use in a domain name?
Can I change the domain name once its registered?
How long does it take to register a domain name?
Do I own my own domain?
What happens to my domain after the first years registration period?
Why does my domain name still show as available?
How do I transfer my domain name to Maximum Designs?
How do I transfer my domain name away?
Will I be charged if I transfer my domain name to another provider?
What is a domain name and why should I register one?
A Domain Name is the term used for an internet address. It is the unique address for your web site. The 'name' is actually a number called an IP Address such as 603.518.36.51 that computers can identify. As we are better with names than numbers, it is translated into a recognisable name for our benefit.
Domains are sorted into levels; .uk is a top level address, .com is a top level address, .co.uk is a second level address. You can also register third level addresses .uk.com, .gb.com or .eu.com for example.
All UK based domains are administered by NOMINET, who maintain the database of all UK domains. Global domains are administered by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).
Which domain type should I choose?
For most any company we recommend it's ideal to have both the domain .co.uk and .com wherever possible. This may seem unusual for a UK based company but we feel it essential as a competitor could register the .com equivalent of your domain to catch visitors who may assume you website is at .com.
How do I pick a name?
The best names are obviously the shortest; yahoo.com or google.co.uk are easy to remember, but obviously you can't use them! Use your business name if iti's available but keep it short. Your customers will be able to remember a shorter name easier and it saves you having to spell it out to everyone over the phone! If your required name is taken, use some lateral thinking. Why not try something a little humorous or a play on your business name, anthing that is short, punchy and memorable.
What characters can I use in a domain name?
Names must be at least three characters long but no more than 63 characters, excluding the top level domain (.co.uk etc.). The characters can include any combination of letters, numbers or hyphens (- or _) though the first and last character cannot be a hyphen. Domain names are not case-sensitive, i.e. "maximumdesigns.co.uk" is the same as "MaximumDesigns.co.uk".
Can I change the domain name once its registered?
No. Once your name has been registered with the appropriate authority you will have to register another name if you want to change. For this reason, please be very careful with your spelling. If we are unsure we will contact you for verification, but the liability is yours if we don't notice and use your spelling!
How long does it take to register a domain name?
Your domain name will be registered as soon as we receive confirmation of your order. As it's registered online we know immediately that the registration has been successful. Once registered, it will take upto 48 hours for the registration to propagate through the internet registers, after which we have full control and can setup any domain hosting required.
Do I own my own domain?
Yes. The domain name will be registered in the name and address you supply us with. This is often something overlooked when companies offer domain names for "bargain prices" where the domain actually belong to the company and not yourself.
What happens to my domain after the first years registration period?
Shortly before the renewal date we will inform you that your domain needs renewing. You then have the choice of renewing your domain with us, moving to another service provider and renewing with them, or allowing your domain to lapse.
Please remember that once your domain lapses it falls back into the public domain and another company will be able to register the name if they if they wish. Any website you have on a lapsed domain will also stop functioning.
Why does my domain name still show as available?
Your domain may still show as available for several days until it is recorded on the internet registry databases. You will still be able to use it and no-one else will be able to register it during that time so no need to be concerned.
How do I transfer my domain name to Maximum Designs?
- For names ending in .UK
We can supply you with our IPS Tag which you will need to pass onto your existing provider who can make the necessary changes. Once changed we can pull the domain onto our servers and setup hosting as necessary. This process usually takes as little as 24 hours with minimal downtime and disruption. - For gTLD domain names (.com, .net, .org)
We can supply you with DNS Server details which you will need to pass onto your existing provider who can make the necessary changes. Once changed we can make a request from our side to transfer the domain to our servers. This process can take anywhere between 12 and 15 days and therefore may cause some downtime and disruption.
How do I transfer my domain name away?
- For names ending in .UK
Simply supply us your new providers IPS Tag and we can make the necessary changes to your domain. Once changed your new provider will be free to transfer the domain onto their server. - For gTLD domain names (.com, .net, .org)
You will need to supply us with the Primary and Secondary DNS Server details from your new provider. We will then make the necessary changes and initiate the domain transfer procedure.
Will I be charged if I transfer my domain name to another provider?
No. You are free to transfer your name at any time.