Domain Names

DNS (Domain Name System)
Initially the Internet was built on the notion that any computer on a global network can be identified by its numeric Internet Protocol (IP) address. But since people, are the primary users of the Internet, a more people-friendly naming system called the Domain Name System (DNS) was invented This System translates a domain name such as rnwebhosting.co.uk into Internet Protocol (IP) numbers to find the correct web site - in this case the site for rnwebhosting.co.uk. The data is then made available to all computers and users on the Internet.

Domain Name
A domain name is essentially a signpost on the Internet. Almost every website you've ever been to, and every email you've ever composed, has used a domain name in its address. People register domain names in order to 'stake a claim' to a particular name -- whether for business or personal reasons. Once you register a domain name, it is entirely yours, no other party may use that identity online as long as you continue to pay the yearly renewal fee and abide by the terms of use.

Domain Name Registrar
A registrar or "Domain Name Registrar" is any entity, organization like rnwebhosting.co.uk that acts on behalf of a registrant regarding domain name requests or modifications. For .COM, .NET, ORG, .CO.UK ETC names domain name requests and modifications must be submitted through a registrar.

Domain Parking
Registrars require the use of name servers or hosts for every domain registered. In other words, every domain name has to be linked to a name server for it to be valid. Some people do not have they own name servers, therefore our Registrar offers 'domain parking' (name parking) on its servers. It is a convenient way to hold or 'park' domain name(s) for an extended amount of time.

Domain Registrant
A registrant is the person or company who registers a domain name. For example, Joe Smith (registrant) registers the name joesmith.com through rnwebhosting.co.uk (registrar) who in turn submits the name to the central database (Registry).

Domain Registry
The organization responsible for the administration and maintenance to a top-level domain database is known as the registry. The registry is where registrars go for new domain names or to modify existing domain name.

Domain Name Transfer
The term 'transfer' refers to when Domain names are sold to another individual or organization or the name of a company might change. The Registrar has a process by which permission from the old owner is required to hand over control to the new owner. The procedure for change of ownership is known as a Registrant Transfer.