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[B][U]Getting Dotted, why it isn't something to be scared of![/U][/B]For as long as Freeola has been in existence, the concept of "Getting Dotted" has been around following on behind, and keeping up the pace without drawing an extra breath, or something to that effect ... maybe ...
... For Get Dotted is an integral part of the service that Freeola offers to all who want it. But, for some, "Getting Dotted" may not sound too pleasant - "what does it mean?", "and what do I do with it?"
Worry no more little ones, as "Getting Dotted" is not a satanic ritual, or double dare from Jack, oh no - it's simply another feature to the many that Freeola offer.
Get Dotted, Freeola's Domain Name Registration Service!
Get Dotted is the "brand name" for Freeola's Internet Domain Name registration service that allows Freeola users (or potential customers) to register a large range of Domain Names that can be used for their web site and / or email addresses. Domain names can be managed from the MyFreeola control panel, where many options and settings can be set up, enabling the owner of the Domain Name to use it in many different ways!
Of course, that is all well and good, but if you don't know what a Domain Name is, how are you going to decide if you need or want one?
So, what is a Domain Name??
A Domain Name is perhaps best described as a human-readable address that is used to access the Web Site of an individual, company or organisation. You may have heard of them being referred to as "web addresses", "site addresses", or even as URL's ". When you browse the web, you're using domain names / web addresses to get to the web site that you want to view. Example domain names include:
bbc.co.uk
google.com
freeola.net
wikipedia.org
The same is true when you write emails. You may be familiar with email addresses taking the form of:
news@bbc.co.uk
help@google.com
support@freeola.net
info@wikipedia.org
You'll notice that each of the above examples ends differently, and these are what are known as extensions, the bit at the end of the domain name, that is preceded by a full stop, or "dot", which is where the brand name came from for "Get Dotted" ... probably!
The extensions can be used to define what a web site might be about, or who it is aimed at. For example, a .co.uk may indicate that the web site is based in and / or for UK people, while a .org might indicate that the web site is run by a world-wide not-for-profit organisation.
I use the term "might", because domain names are not always used in this manor, and are not strictly policed to ensure they are done so. The only Domain names that are usually accurate are Government web sites, that are tightly controlled, and use extensions such as .gov or .mod.
Domain names are designed to make it easier for people to get to and / or email the web site they desire, by allowing site owners to register the name that they want their web site to be known as. Behind the scenes, the Internet works on a numbers system, and web sites are officially accessed via a unique number, such as 84.45.254.150, but it isn't very elegant, nor is it practical, as very few people will remember that number, let along a range of numbers for each web site they wish to view.
A domain name acts as a gateway between humans and these complicated numbers, so that we don't have to know, remember, or even care about all those numbers.
Are all Domain Names the same?
The concept of a domain name is the same, in that they point to a web site and are used for email, but there are a variety of different domain name extensions, that are managed by different domain registration organisations. Some are based in the UK, others abroad, and each organisation has different rules about the extensions they offer for you to register.
You say "register" a lot, don't I own my Domain Name?
One important thing to note about any domain name is that they are not yours to own, they are not your property forever. A domain name is best thought of as being "rented", and you're the sole user for the duration you rent the domain name. Different organisations allow different lengths of registration.
In the UK, you can register a .uk for two years, and renew it for a further block of two years after that, and after that again, and again, for as long as you want to make use of the domain, while a .com can be registered for up to 10 years at a time.
It is very important to remember that any domain name is being "rented", as once the domain expires, it's available for anyone else to register, and once that happens, you may find you don't have the automatic right to get it back.
Have you ever heard of Microsoft?? Do you ever use Hotmail?? The company knows first had what it's like to forget that you only have use of domain names for a specific period before it needs renewing, because it did exactly that, by forgetting to renew the domain name hotmail.co.uk when it was up for renewal, which was quite disastrous for a service used by millions across the world. The ironic part about that story is that it wasn't the first time they (as a company) forgot to renew a domain name, having forgotten to renew passport.com a few years previously.
Why might a Domain be good for me?
Having your own domain name is perhaps the first stage in setting out your "brand". You see very few businesses making use of free domain names, because it doesn't give out the same "professional image" if the web address was www.myfreeweb.bbc.co.uk.
You also have more control over how a domain name is used if you're the registered user. You can set up sub-domains for different sections of your web site, that many organisations and individuals take advantage of, and provide different email addresses for different queries.
You'll also benefit from not being dependant on your hosting company for a domain name.
Independence from any web host!
If you were using a free domain name from your current web host, and, for whatever reason, decided to move your web site elsewhere, you wouldn't be able to use that free domain name anymore. You'd be left with having to update your web site, contact your users to let them know that you're changing addresses, and possible lose users if they don't know about the chance, and can then not find your new web address.
If you were using your own domain name, then this acts as a separate layer to the hosting of your web site, which means if you changed hosts, you can take your domain name with you, and keep using it as normal, ensuring you don't lose any users, or have to worry about updating your web site, business cards, contacts, or adverts.
Currently, Freeola offer their Freeola500, and you could make use of these if you wish, but having your own domain would ensure that you're not grouped together with others who use the same Freeola 500 address, and have the potential of people thinking your site isn't credible, or worse, being blacklisted because of another Freeola user who'd doing something wrong. Having your own domain is also reassuring that if Freeola find that a particular Freeola500 isn't worth them keeping, you're not left with the task of finding a new address.
Get Dotted Discounts!
On top of the multiple web sites you can host with Freeola, GetDotted also gives you a 2% discount on the total cost of domain name registration each separate domain name you register, up to the maximum of 40%, which can be quite a saving over there year for people who have many web sites, such as webmasters who have their own design and host service business.
What if I get board of my domain name?
Many companies like to re-brand every so often - because the current brand may not be working for them, and as part of that, a new domain name is usually called for - but what to do with your current domain name?
The best option would be to keep the domain for a while, renewing it as you go, and having it simply forward to your new web site using what is known as a "permanent redirect"!
If you're a large company, you may not mind the small change it takes to keep a Domain Name registered, but for a small business or individual, the best option would be to wait for your new brand and domain to become dominant in it's usage, and then stop using the old domain name permanently.
Because all Domain Names have to be renewed, you could just let the Domain expire, and leave it at that, thus saving the renewal fees and need to keep an eye on it, but if you were using a well sought after Domain, other people may be willing to take it off your hands sooner.
You could make use of Freeola's Sell Domain Names service, which allows you to list any domain you've registered, and still hold the rights to, as being "for sale"! That way, any interested individual or business can make an offer, and pay you to give up your registration rights to that domain, permanently, and hand it over to them. This not only means you've done away with the need to renew the Domain Name, but you've also made a little money from it, and some Domain Names can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even millions of pounds to other people, so letting it simply expire could be a great loss of potential earnings. Freeola don't take a "fee", so any money made is all yours.
It is important to note that once you've given up your right to the domain, it'll no longer point to your web site, or email, and it's unlikely you could claim it back without re-purchasing it from the person it is now registered to.
So, do you want to Get Dotted??
Hopefully now you'll have a little better understanding of what a Domain Name can do for you, and how Freeola let you use it. If that's the case, head on over to Get Dotted right now, and see if that suitable Domain Name is waiting for you. Plus, if you quote "cjh" when registering, you'll get an additional 0% discount - bargain!
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As always, any comments, questions, and especially corrections are welcome.
There have been no replies to this thread yet.
[B][U]Getting Dotted, why it isn't something to be scared of![/U][/B]For as long as Freeola has been in existence, the concept of "Getting Dotted" has been around following on behind, and keeping up the pace without drawing an extra breath, or something to that effect ... maybe ...
... For Get Dotted is an integral part of the service that Freeola offers to all who want it. But, for some, "Getting Dotted" may not sound too pleasant - "what does it mean?", "and what do I do with it?"
Worry no more little ones, as "Getting Dotted" is not a satanic ritual, or double dare from Jack, oh no - it's simply another feature to the many that Freeola offer.
Get Dotted, Freeola's Domain Name Registration Service!
Get Dotted is the "brand name" for Freeola's Internet Domain Name registration service that allows Freeola users (or potential customers) to register a large range of Domain Names that can be used for their web site and / or email addresses. Domain names can be managed from the MyFreeola control panel, where many options and settings can be set up, enabling the owner of the Domain Name to use it in many different ways!
Of course, that is all well and good, but if you don't know what a Domain Name is, how are you going to decide if you need or want one?
So, what is a Domain Name??
A Domain Name is perhaps best described as a human-readable address that is used to access the Web Site of an individual, company or organisation. You may have heard of them being referred to as "web addresses", "site addresses", or even as URL's ". When you browse the web, you're using domain names / web addresses to get to the web site that you want to view. Example domain names include:
bbc.co.uk
google.com
freeola.net
wikipedia.org
The same is true when you write emails. You may be familiar with email addresses taking the form of:
news@bbc.co.uk
help@google.com
support@freeola.net
info@wikipedia.org
You'll notice that each of the above examples ends differently, and these are what are known as extensions, the bit at the end of the domain name, that is preceded by a full stop, or "dot", which is where the brand name came from for "Get Dotted" ... probably!
The extensions can be used to define what a web site might be about, or who it is aimed at. For example, a .co.uk may indicate that the web site is based in and / or for UK people, while a .org might indicate that the web site is run by a world-wide not-for-profit organisation.
I use the term "might", because domain names are not always used in this manor, and are not strictly policed to ensure they are done so. The only Domain names that are usually accurate are Government web sites, that are tightly controlled, and use extensions such as .gov or .mod.
Domain names are designed to make it easier for people to get to and / or email the web site they desire, by allowing site owners to register the name that they want their web site to be known as. Behind the scenes, the Internet works on a numbers system, and web sites are officially accessed via a unique number, such as 84.45.254.150, but it isn't very elegant, nor is it practical, as very few people will remember that number, let along a range of numbers for each web site they wish to view.
A domain name acts as a gateway between humans and these complicated numbers, so that we don't have to know, remember, or even care about all those numbers.
Are all Domain Names the same?
The concept of a domain name is the same, in that they point to a web site and are used for email, but there are a variety of different domain name extensions, that are managed by different domain registration organisations. Some are based in the UK, others abroad, and each organisation has different rules about the extensions they offer for you to register.
You say "register" a lot, don't I own my Domain Name?
One important thing to note about any domain name is that they are not yours to own, they are not your property forever. A domain name is best thought of as being "rented", and you're the sole user for the duration you rent the domain name. Different organisations allow different lengths of registration.
In the UK, you can register a .uk for two years, and renew it for a further block of two years after that, and after that again, and again, for as long as you want to make use of the domain, while a .com can be registered for up to 10 years at a time.
It is very important to remember that any domain name is being "rented", as once the domain expires, it's available for anyone else to register, and once that happens, you may find you don't have the automatic right to get it back.
Have you ever heard of Microsoft?? Do you ever use Hotmail?? The company knows first had what it's like to forget that you only have use of domain names for a specific period before it needs renewing, because it did exactly that, by forgetting to renew the domain name hotmail.co.uk when it was up for renewal, which was quite disastrous for a service used by millions across the world. The ironic part about that story is that it wasn't the first time they (as a company) forgot to renew a domain name, having forgotten to renew passport.com a few years previously.
Why might a Domain be good for me?
Having your own domain name is perhaps the first stage in setting out your "brand". You see very few businesses making use of free domain names, because it doesn't give out the same "professional image" if the web address was www.myfreeweb.bbc.co.uk.
You also have more control over how a domain name is used if you're the registered user. You can set up sub-domains for different sections of your web site, that many organisations and individuals take advantage of, and provide different email addresses for different queries.
You'll also benefit from not being dependant on your hosting company for a domain name.
Independence from any web host!
If you were using a free domain name from your current web host, and, for whatever reason, decided to move your web site elsewhere, you wouldn't be able to use that free domain name anymore. You'd be left with having to update your web site, contact your users to let them know that you're changing addresses, and possible lose users if they don't know about the chance, and can then not find your new web address.
If you were using your own domain name, then this acts as a separate layer to the hosting of your web site, which means if you changed hosts, you can take your domain name with you, and keep using it as normal, ensuring you don't lose any users, or have to worry about updating your web site, business cards, contacts, or adverts.
Currently, Freeola offer their Freeola500, and you could make use of these if you wish, but having your own domain would ensure that you're not grouped together with others who use the same Freeola 500 address, and have the potential of people thinking your site isn't credible, or worse, being blacklisted because of another Freeola user who'd doing something wrong. Having your own domain is also reassuring that if Freeola find that a particular Freeola500 isn't worth them keeping, you're not left with the task of finding a new address.
Get Dotted Discounts!
On top of the multiple web sites you can host with Freeola, GetDotted also gives you a 2% discount on the total cost of domain name registration each separate domain name you register, up to the maximum of 40%, which can be quite a saving over there year for people who have many web sites, such as webmasters who have their own design and host service business.
What if I get board of my domain name?
Many companies like to re-brand every so often - because the current brand may not be working for them, and as part of that, a new domain name is usually called for - but what to do with your current domain name?
The best option would be to keep the domain for a while, renewing it as you go, and having it simply forward to your new web site using what is known as a "permanent redirect"!
If you're a large company, you may not mind the small change it takes to keep a Domain Name registered, but for a small business or individual, the best option would be to wait for your new brand and domain to become dominant in it's usage, and then stop using the old domain name permanently.
Because all Domain Names have to be renewed, you could just let the Domain expire, and leave it at that, thus saving the renewal fees and need to keep an eye on it, but if you were using a well sought after Domain, other people may be willing to take it off your hands sooner.
You could make use of Freeola's Sell Domain Names service, which allows you to list any domain you've registered, and still hold the rights to, as being "for sale"! That way, any interested individual or business can make an offer, and pay you to give up your registration rights to that domain, permanently, and hand it over to them. This not only means you've done away with the need to renew the Domain Name, but you've also made a little money from it, and some Domain Names can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even millions of pounds to other people, so letting it simply expire could be a great loss of potential earnings. Freeola don't take a "fee", so any money made is all yours.
It is important to note that once you've given up your right to the domain, it'll no longer point to your web site, or email, and it's unlikely you could claim it back without re-purchasing it from the person it is now registered to.
So, do you want to Get Dotted??
Hopefully now you'll have a little better understanding of what a Domain Name can do for you, and how Freeola let you use it. If that's the case, head on over to Get Dotted right now, and see if that suitable Domain Name is waiting for you. Plus, if you quote "cjh" when registering, you'll get an additional 0% discount - bargain!
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
As always, any comments, questions, and especially corrections are welcome.