What is a ‘Domain Name’?
It is a horrible bit of computer terminology that puts people off even thinking about it.
Basically it is just a ‘Name’ used to identify a bit of address space on the internet.
Examples of ‘Domain Names’ are:
- bbc.co.uk
- allaboutcomputers.co.uk
- lessullivan.co.uk
The examples I have shown here end in .co.uk and the .co.uk domains are ‘regulated’ by Nominet in UK. There are dozens of other ‘endings’ such as .com .net .org and each type may have a different regulatory authority, but don’t worry about that.
For most people and organisations in UK, the .co.uk type of domain is the most appropriate as it is cheap and simple to administer. I can talk through the many possibilities with you in greater detail, you may have different requirements.
Why do I need my own domain name?
We are all becoming dependent on the internet for email and perhaps require a web-site to promote a business.
I am not one to talk at length about ‘image’ but quite frankly, if you are running a business and have a hotmail (or similar) email address it does not give a good impression. Some banks will not accept hotmail addresses.
This cartoon is a bit tongue in cheek but it does make a point….
Back to the primary concern….
If your email address was provided ‘free’ as part of your internet subscription, you do not own it and if you change service provider, you will lose it – instantly, they don’t care. You may also lose all of your stored archive of emails – both sent and received, as well as your address book or contacts list.
That may seem insignificant but please, think carefully. Your email address will no longer exist and anyone who knows you by that address will no longer be able to contact you. It really can be hugely disruptive.
Examples of domains that you do not own:
- ntlworld.com
- virgin.net
- hotmail.com
- btinternet.com
- tesco.net
So if your email address is john.franks@btinternet.com it is owned by btinternet, not by you. They can take it away or change it at a whim.
How do I get my own domain name?
Simple, talk to me. It is not difficult or expensive to do it yourself but there are many pitfalls and they may not become apparent until something goes wrong, perhaps several years later. There are sharks out there – be warned. Do get in touch.
Cost is low – about £6 per year to own a domain – insignificant!
What will my email address be?
When you have obtained a domain, the email address is easy.
For example, you purchase ‘wxyz.co.uk”
Your email address will be ‘anything’ @wzyz.co.uk
- les@wxyz.co.uk
- fred.smith@wxyz.co.uk
- sales@wxyz.co.uk
- haveaniceday@wxyz.co.uk
You get the idea. Because you own the domain, you can put whatever you want in front.
You now have an address that is permanent, that you own, that cannot be taken away from you even if you move house, change internet provider or even leave the country.
What about my mailbox?
The next step is to have a physical place to store your emails, a mailbox. There are several options here.
I favour the use of a free cloud based Gmail account but there are many possibilities.
You may choose to continue to use the account that you already have, no problem. It is easiest for me to sit with you over a coffee and discuss what is best than try and explain all the possibilities here.
Where does my incoming mail go?
When you purchase your own domain it will come with a certain number of free services. One of these is email re-direction.
Email sent to your new permanent email address is simply re-directed to your mailbox.
If your mailbox changes, just re-direct your email to the new mailbox. As far as the rest of the world is concerned, nothing has changed. Your email address is the same.