D.I.Y. – Domain Name

This page contains information about managing your domain name. If you have further questions or would like assistance with any of the procedures listed below, please contact Miller Davis at 704.637.5363.
 
Domain Name or URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
• The address of a Web site on the Internet; Example: millerdavisagency.com 
 
Domain Name Registrar
• A company where domain names are registered on the Internet; Example: Network Solutions (www.networksolutions.com)
 
Tips For Choosing a Domain Name
• Can consist of letters, numbers, and hyphens (-), but it cannot begin or end with a hyphen.
• Cannot include spaces or symbols such as ampersands (&) or underscores (_).
• Can be between 2 and 63 total characters.
• Is not case sensitive.
• If possible, choose a domain that matches your company name, or is a logical abbreviation.
• If your first choice is not available some alternatives are: Choose a domain name based on a product you sell. Use synonyms, add hyphens or include a location on the end such as your state abbreviation.
• If .com is taken then consider using .net.
• Keep your domain name as short as possible but not so short that it is unrecognizable.
• Choose a domain that is easy to say, understand, remember, type and spell.
• You can register more than one domain name to use for the same Web site.
 
Domain Name Registration and Responsibility
• A domain name can be registered at one place, but may be hosted at another.
• Whoever has the domain name registered is responsible for renewing that domain name.
• If a dealer has registered his own domain name, and points it to the Miller Davis Web server (DNS), BUT DOES NOT transfer the domain name into the Miller Davis registrar account, Miller Davis is then the host of the Web site, but the dealer is still responsible for renewing the domain name.
• Whatever Web server (Name Server; DNS) a domain name is pointed to, that is where the Web site under that domain name is hosted.
 
Transferring a Domain Name
• Refers to the process of completely moving a domain name’s registration from one registrar account to another.
 
Pointing a Domain Name
• Refers to the process of setting which Web server (DNS) the domain name points to (this can be done without transferring the domain name to another registrar account). 
  
Three Parts to a Live Web Site
• Domain name
• Web site files
• Web server (Name Server; DNS) 
 
Hosting a Web Site
• In order for a Web site to be hosted, the domain name needs to point to, and the Web site files need to be saved on, the same Web server. If the Web site files are not on the Web server that the domain name is pointed to, the Web site will not come up on the Internet.
 
Transferring an Existing Web site and Hosting to Miller Davis
• The Web site files must first be received so they can be placed on our Web server. Once this is done, the domain name must then be pointed to our Web server (DNS). At that point, the Web site will come up on the Internet with Miller Davis as the host.
 
Transferring a Domain
• You must provide the registrar name and your username and password. Miller Davis will then complete the transfer. Any e-mails that are attached to your domain will be affected and you must note all the addresses that will be transferred.
• You may go into your registrar account and "unlock" the domain and request an EPP key. Supply the key to Miller Davis and we will complete the transfer.
• Incomplete information will be charged an additional handling charge.