What is a domain name?

A domain name is a text-based translation of a series of numbers used by a computer to identify an organisation or individual on the Internet. Registering a domain name is, in many ways, the equivalent of registering a company at Companies House. No two names can be the same. It is important that the domain name chosen by an organisation provides its customers with an easy-to-remember address.

For example - the name of this company is Netaddress - our domain name is netaddress.co.uk, our web site can be found at www.netaddress.co.uk "http://www.netaddress.co.uk" and our e-mail addresses are in the form sales@netaddress.co.uk, etc. The use of an appropriate domain name makes it easy for people to find you on the Internet.

Why do I need a domain name?

The growth of the Internet, particularly within the commercial sector, continues unabated, with a huge number of organisations, large and small, now making use of the unique communications and information facilities on offer. Many thousands of businesses now advertise, send out brochures and other literature, and take orders via their web sites and many more routinely include e-mail addresses alongside telephone and fax numbers on their stationery. Given that more and more companies are going on-line it is vital that your organisation is easily identified - and for that, a suitable domain name is essential.

What are the different types of domain name?

Many countries issue domain names, each with their own rules and unique designation. Those issued in France, for example, end in .fr, whilst those issued in the United Kingdom end in .uk. Within the United Kingdom the status of the name is indicated prior to .uk by use of .co, .ltd, .plc, .org etc. These examples relate to a commercial company or business (.co), a registered UK private limited company (.ltd), a UK public limited company (.plc) and a non profit- making organisation (.org).

International (i.e. non country-specific) domain names are also available, ending in .com, .org or .net. Your requirements and preferences will depend upon the geographic nature of your trade or customer-base and the image that you wish to present. For most UK-based businesses a .uk domain would be the most appropriate.

What is the cost?

You will pay an annual fee of £7.95 to register a .uk domain name or £12.95 to register a .com /. net /.org name - there are no other charges. Whilst .uk domains can only be registered for a 2-year period, you can choose any period between 1 and 10 years for the others.

Fees quoted exclude VAT @ 17.5%.

What are the FREE services?

We provide 5 POP3 MAILBOXES together with WEB FORWARDING. You can set up and configure mailboxes and forwarding from your own ONLINE CONTROL PANEL. Alternatively, if you are not ready to use your domain name straight away, you can opt for FREE PARKING.

We now include 30 days FREE WEB HOSTING with all new domain name registrations. More details of this special offer can be found here.

Can I transfer my existing name to Netaddress?

Yes, you can transfer your existing domain name if you want to set up a hosting account with us. As we make no charge to transfer names in, we are unable to offer the free services that we provide to domain registration customers. Our hosting plan includes all that you are likely to need for a monthly cost of just £3.95. More details of our web hosting account can be found here and information regarding the transfer of domains can be found here.

Fees quoted exclude VAT @ 17.5%.

Are there any extra costs or hidden charges?

Absolutely not. You pay the prices shown plus VAT.

What are the rules?

Domain names should be between 3 and 63 characters for a .uk domain and between 2 and 63 characters for .com / .net / .org domains. The name must consist only of alphanumeric characters and hyphens. Spaces between characters are not permitted. Any person may own any number of names provided the annual fees are maintained.

You are not allowed to register a name that conflicts with another company's trademark. Rules for names registered in the .ltd.uk and .plc.uk domains are slightly different - contact us for more details

Does my domain name have to remain with Netaddress?

Of course not. The name that you register belongs to you. At your request we will arrange the transfer of your name to any Internet Service Provider that you nominate. We will do our best to ensure that the transfer is carried out smoothly and with the minimum of delay.

Do you charge a fee to transfer my name?

An administration charge of £19.00 + VAT is payable should you wish to transfer your name to another Internet Service Provider.

What do I do next?

For more information on any of our services go to the relevant section of our website. If you are ready to place your order please go to our order page. If there are any aspects of our products or services about which you would like further information, please contact us and we will do our best to help.

What happens after I register?

Once the registration of your domain name has been confirmed to you we will set up whichever of our services you have selected. It normally takes 24 - 36 hours for a new or transferred domain name to become active on our system. We will send you all the information that you need to get started. More details regarding the setting up of a web hosting account can be found here.