Datasheet

CHAPTER 1 DOMAIN NAMES

When you’re checking out domain registrars, look for a demo of the

domain management interface on their websites: a live demo that you

can try out or at the very least a video demo. If there’s nothing there,

you can always call their sales department and request a tour. Remem-

ber, you can get good quality management tools and very low domain

prices, so don’t just se le for low prices.

It’s also useful for domain registrars to o er add-on functions that

make your life easier. Here’s a checklist in order of what I think is most

important:

Frequent renewal notices

Q —Receive at least 60, 30, 15, and 7 days

before a domain expires (e-mail gets lost, or you’re away, and so on).

Auto renewal

Q —You can turn this on if you don’t want to worry

about renewal notices at all. Just make sure your credit card is

up to date.

Auto lock

Q —This requires a special code if you want to transfer

to another registrar, but it also means that someone can’t easily

transfer the domain without your authorization.

Free e-mail

Q —If you don’t have a website yet, you can still have

e-mail service using the domain name.

301 redirects

Q —If you want to use the domain name to point to

an existing website, this is the proper way to do it.

On Video

For a detailed view of a

domain management

interface, I’ve created a

short tour on the DVD.

Use one domain regis-

trar for all your domains.

Ending up with two or

three or more registrars

can be a nightmare of

paperwork, and you can

even end up missing

notices for domains that

need to be renewed.