Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a domain name?

Domain names are the familiar, easy to remember names for computers on the Internet (such as netwisecomputing.co.uk). They correspond to a series of numbers (called Internet Protocol numbers) that serve as routing addresses on the Internet and allow users to type in, for example, dotcomdotty.com to identify a numeric address such as 258.62.10.196. 

Domain names are used generally as a convenient way of locating information and reaching others. Your Web Address dotcomdotty.com directs visitors to your home page. It can also be used as part of your e-mail address to reinforce your online identity. e.g. Sales@dotcomdotty.com

What is a Top Level Domain (TLD)?

A top level domain (TLD) is the suffix that is attached to the end of a domain name. For instance, in the domain name dotcomdotty.com, ".com" is the TLD.

I've seen domain names ending with two-letter combinations, like .uk.

Two letter domains, such as .uk, .de and .jp (for example), are called country code top level domains (ccTLDs) and correspond to a country, territory, or other geographic location. .

There are two types of suffixes: global and country code. Global Top Level Domains (gTLD) were created to be used by the Internet public, while country code Top Level Domains (ccTLD) were created to be used by each individual country, as they deem necessary. The rules and policies for registering domain names in the ccTLDs vary significantly and some are reserved for use by citizens of the corresponding country.

A list of these and their relative countries is on our Domain Suffixes page.

Should I register .COM or .CO.UK?

We recommend that you first try to register .COM and then .CO.UK  Register both if you can. This way your company is secured from domain squatters and your customers can find you with either extension.

Are UK Domain names recognised world round?

Yes, UK domain names are recognised anywhere on the Web. In the UK most users of the internet are used to using this extension and if they can't find your company name under .COM they will then try .CO.UK

What are the rules for registration of .net and .org names?

They are the same as for .com. Traditionally, however, names in .net have been used by organizations involved in Internet infrastructure activities and .org is frequently used by not-for-profit organizations.

What are the valid characters for a Web Address and how long can my Web Address be?

Letters and numbers are always valid characters in a Web Address. Hyphens may also be used, but may not begin nor end your Web Address. Spaces and special characters, such as exclamation points (!) and underscores (_), are never permitted in Web Addresses. A Web Address can be can be up to 26 characters long including the four characters used to identify the top-level domain .COM, .NET, .ORG or .EDU

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. The registrar will make this information available to the public on a "Whois" site.

How long does a registration last? Can it be renewed?

At present .co.uk names are available for a two year period. Reminders for renewal will be sent to you a month or so before expiry.   gTLD's can be registered for up to ten years but are usually renewed either yearly or every two years as finances allow.

Why do I have to pay renewal fees?

Unlike company names, UK domain names have to be maintained constantly. Nominet the UK domain agency charge a fee for this and therefore you have to pay every two years. This is the same for all Domain names although some fees are billed yearly.

Someone else has registered my company's name as a domain name. What is the process for resolving my complaint?

All accredited registrars follow a uniform dispute resolution policy. For more details of the procedure, see http://www.icann.org/udrp/udrp.htm.

Safe Registry

That depends on who you choose to register your domain name!

If you register one of the traditional domains like ".COM", ".NET" or ".ORG", the answer is no. Once you register one of those domains, anyone in the world can get your address or phone number by doing a "whois" search on your domain name.

If you register a name with Netwise Computing Limited, however, your personal privacy is one of our highest concerns. Your personal contact information is given out only under the strictly specified circumstances. What we offer you instead, is a safe and secure way to be contacted. If someone looks up your domain name on our Name Search server, they can leave a private message for you. You can then choose whether or not to contact them.

Only under extreme circumstances, such as a legal issue or a trademark dispute, if all other attempts to contact you have failed, will your address and telephone number be disclosed to the disputing party, after they have submitted proof of identification. 

Of course, we must disclose any information about any of our customers if ordered to do so by a court of law.  

What is the difference between Top Level Domains, Second Level Domains and Subdomains?

The following diagram shows the relationship between the various components of a domain name.

TOP LEVEL		.COM
		|
SECOND LEVEL		YOURNAME.COM	--	MYNAME.COM
		|
THIRD LEVEL		FTP.YOURNAME.COM	--	WWW.YOURNAME.COM

Each part of a domain name is separated by a period, or a "dot." The top level is the part of the domain that is to the right of the last dot. In this case, "COM." At each level, the owner of that level gets to decide whether or not there will be any more levels below.

Underneath the top level is the second level. This is the part that you, as an individual or company, can register for your own use. Third and higher levels are possible, but the ability to use them is often decided by where you choose to host your domain name and how much control you have over the setup of the host computer. Ultimately, you decide if there will be any levels below your domain.

A subdomain is a functional subsystem of the domain such as a mail server (mail.yourname.com), file server (ftp.myname.com), or web server (www.myname.com).

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