Domain Names Archives

Understanding the Difference Between Domain Names and Website Hosting

by Curtis Jolley | Sep 9, 2023 | Domain Name Registration, Domain Name Transfers, Domain Names, Domain Names & Website Hosting, Hosting, Private Cloud Hosting, WPExtreme™ WordPress Hosting

In the vast realm of the internet, where websites and online businesses thrive, understanding the fundamental elements that make your online presence possible is crucial. Domain names and website hosting are two of the most essential components in this digital landscape. Let’s delve into these two crucial aspects and unravel the mysteries behind them.

What is a Domain Name?

Imagine the internet as a massive city with countless buildings representing websites. Now, think of domain names as the addresses that help people find those buildings. A domain name is the web address, also known as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), that users enter into their browsers to access a website.

Domain Name Registration

To acquire a domain name, you must go through a Domain Name Registrar. These registrars are like the real estate agents of the digital world, facilitating the purchase and renewal of domain names. Users can select a domain name that reflects their brand, business, or personal identity as long as it’s available for registration. They can also renew their domain name with their registrar.

Website Hosting

Now that we have an address (domain name), it’s time to discuss where you’ll put your website’s content, images, videos, and databases. This is where website hosting comes into play. Website hosting refers to the physical space where all your website’s data is stored, allowing it to be accessible to users worldwide.

Website Hosting Services

Website hosting services are provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or specialized hosting companies such as Net10.net. These providers offer various hosting plans, each catering to different needs, such as shared hosting, dedicated hosting, or cloud hosting. The choice depends on your website’s size, traffic, and technical requirements.

The Confusion

The confusion often arises because some Domain Name Registrars also offer website and email hosting services. Conversely, some ISPs that provide website and email hosting also offer domain name registration, renewals, and domain transfer services. This overlap can make it challenging to distinguish between the two.

Key Takeaways

Ownership Tracking: To ensure that your online services do not expire unintentionally, it’s essential to keep track of where you purchased each of these services. While having your domain name and hosting from the same provider is not mandatory, it can simplify management.

Flexibility: You can choose different providers for domain registration and website hosting. This can be advantageous, as it allows you to shop around for the best prices and features.

Consider Your Needs: When selecting a domain name and hosting provider, consider your specific requirements. A shared hosting plan might suffice if you need hosting for a small personal blog. However, for a high-traffic e-commerce site, a dedicated or cloud hosting solution might be more suitable.

While they are distinct entities, domain name registration and website hosting work in tandem to make your website accessible to the world. Keep track of where you’ve purchased these services and choose reliable providers that align with higher needs and won’t take advantage of renewal pricing by offering low introductory pricing and then charging higher fees later, which we will not do. Contact Net10, and we will help you navigate the digital landscape with confidence.

So, whether you’re a business owner, blogger, or aspiring webmaster, remember that your domain name is your digital address, and website hosting is the place where your online home resides. Together, they form the foundation of your internet presence.

Importance of DNS And Domain Names - Net10.net At Net10 Internet Services, we like to help our customers understand web technology. We have many blogs with in-depth topics, and we add more all the time. We sincerely hope this blog post about the difference between a domain name and website hosting helps everyone looking to establish an online presence understand that these two services are crucial to their online business.

If you are looking for a reliable one-stop shop for Domain Name Registration and website hosting services, consider checking out Net10.net. With our user-friendly platform and wide hosting options, you can take the first step toward building your online empire. Remember, the key to online success is understanding these essential components and choosing the right Internet Service Provider (ISP) to support your goals.

Looking for more information? Take a look at our related blogs, such as Domain Name Registration and Transfers, Website Hosting, Business Application Hosting, Email Hosting, and many other Net10 Internet Services. Contact us if you have any questions. We are always glad to help!

Unlock the Power of Domain Name Transfers: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Curtis Jolley | Sep 7, 2023 | Domain Name Registration, Domain Name Transfers, Domain Names

When it comes to managing your online presence, the flexibility to move your domain name registration to a registrar that suits your needs is essential. Transferring a domain registration involves a simple yet crucial process that can offer better services, favorable pricing, and a streamlined approach to managing all your domains under one roof. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the domain transfer process and help you understand how to seamlessly transfer your domain name registration to Net10 Internet Services.

Here’s How The Domain Transfer Process Generally Works

1. Prepare the Domain for Transfer

Before diving into the transfer process, ensure that your domain is eligible for transfer. Specific requirements and restrictions may vary based on your domain extension (TLD: Top-Level Domain). Additionally, check if your domain is locked at your current registrar. Some registrars lock domains by default to prevent unauthorized transfers. Unlocking your domain is usually a straightforward process through your registrar’s control panel.

2. Initiate the Transfer

If required, purchase domain transfer services from Net10 Internet Services or your chosen new registrar. This step ensures a smooth transition. Next, obtain an authorization code (also known as an EPP code or transfer key) from your current registrar. This code acts as confirmation that you have the right to transfer the domain. Keep this code handy, as you’ll need it during the transfer process.

3. Verification and Confirmation

The new registrar initiates the transfer process and notifies your current registrar. Subsequently, an email is sent to the domain’s administrative contact, which may also be the registrant, to confirm the transfer. This email contains a link or instructions to approve the transfer. It’s a critical step to ensure that the transfer is authorized by the domain owner.

4. Approval and Confirmation

To proceed with the transfer, you’ll need to follow the instructions in the confirmation email. This step is vital for security and ensures that only authorized transfers occur. Once you’ve given your approval, the transfer process moves forward.

5. Domain Transfer Process

During the transfer process, the domain’s DNS settings might temporarily change to point to the new registrar’s servers. This adjustment doesn’t impact your website’s operation; it’s simply done to facilitate a seamless transfer. Additionally, domain information, including ownership, is transferred from the current registrar to the new registrar. Pre-paid fees to the current registrar are also transferred to the new registrar. When you transfer your domain name registration to Net10 Internet Services, the cost of the transfer includes a one-year renewal from the domain name’s original expiry date.

6. Completion and Verification

Once the domain name registration transfer is complete, you’ll receive notifications from both the old and new registrars confirming the successful transfer. It’s essential to verify that everything functions as expected. If you have a website associated with the transferred domain, check it in a web browser to ensure it displays properly.

Important Notes About Domain Name Transfers

Domain name transfers involve administrative and technical details, so it’s crucial to follow instructions from both registrars carefully.
The duration of transfers can vary, taking a few days to complete depending on factors like the TLD, the responsiveness of contacts on the account to confirm, and the policies of both registrars.
Some registrars may enforce a “lock” period after a domain is transferred to prevent immediate retransfers.
The domain’s expiration date usually remains the same during a transfer, ensuring that you don’t lose any time on your domain registration.
Before initiating a domain transfer, ensure you’re familiar with the process and have all the necessary information from your current registrar and Net10 Internet Services or your chosen new registrar. Unlock the power of domain transfer and experience the convenience of managing your domains with us. Make the move today and take control of your online presence!

Ready to transfer your domain? Contact us now, and let’s get started optimizing your online presence with Domain Name Registration or Transfers, Website Hosting, Business Application Hosting, Email Hosting, and many other Net10 Internet Services.

The Importance Of DNS And Domain Names

by Curtis Jolley | Aug 29, 2023 | DNS, Domain Names

DNS (Domain Name System) and domain names play a crucial role in the functioning of the Internet. They are essential components that make it easier for people to access websites and other online resources. Here’s a breakdown from our Net10.net Internet experts of the importance:

Human-Readable Addresses

The Internet primarily relies on IP addresses (a series of numbers) to identify resources like websites. However, IP addresses are complicated for humans to remember and use. Domain names provide a user-friendly way to access websites, consisting of easy-to-recall words or phrases (e.g., www.example.com) instead of numerical sequences.

Domain Name Resolution

DNS acts as a “phone book” for the Internet. When you enter your domain name into computers and your web browser, the DNS system translates that specific domain name into the corresponding IP address of the server hosting the website. This translation, called name resolution, enables your device to connect to the correct server to get the website’s content.

Global Accessibility

Domain names are globally unique identifiers. This uniqueness ensures no two websites have the same domain name, preventing confusion and conflicts. This system allows websites to be accessible from anywhere worldwide, enabling a seamless and consistent browsing experience for users regardless of their location.

Easy Updates and Redirection

Domain names provide flexibility for website owners. If a website’s IP address changes due to server migrations or updates, the owner can update the DNS records to point to the new address without requiring users to remember a new set of numbers. Additionally, domain names can be redirected to other URLs, making it possible to rebrand, move content, or create shortcuts.

Branding and Identity

Domain names are crucial for establishing a brand’s online identity. A well-chosen domain name can convey the nature of a business, making it easier for potential customers to understand what the website offers. Memorable domain names can also aid in building brand recognition and trust.

Email Services

DNS is used for translating domain names into IP addresses and managing email services. MX (Mail Exchange) records in DNS are used to direct emails to the correct mail servers associated with a domain. That is why changing your email provider doesn’t require changing your email address – the domain name remains constant.

Security and Encryption

DNS also plays a role in security. Techniques like DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions) are used to add extra protection to DNS to prevent DNS spoofing and other malicious activities. Furthermore, some security solutions block access to known malicious websites using DNS.

Overall, DNS and domain names are vital components of the Internet infrastructure. They provide user-friendly access to online resources, enable global connectivity, simplify updates and redirection, support branding efforts, and facilitate crucial online services like email and security. Their importance lies in making the Internet more usable, accessible, and efficient for individuals and businesses alike.

Contact Net10 Internet Services to take advantage of our exceptional services and support!

Keep Reading To Learn More! Two Of Our Favorite Related Blogs:

A Closer Look at How Net10.net Manages DNS for Our Customers

by Bill Pitz | Aug 10, 2023 | DNS, Domain Names, Net10.net Blogs

The internet has become an indispensable part of our daily lives in today’s interconnected world. Whether we’re streaming movies, conducting online research, or connecting with friends on social media, everything relies on a seamless and efficient internet experience. One crucial element that makes this possible is the Domain Name System (DNS).

DNS allows us to access websites using human-readable domain names like “www.example.com” instead of complex IP addresses like “192.0.2.1.” Behind the scenes, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and hosting providers play a critical role in managing DNS for their customers. In this blog, let’s delve into how Net10.net Internet Services manages DNS and its significance for Internet users.

Understanding DNS and Its Importance

Before delving into an ISP’s role, let’s briefly explain DNS and why it is essential. DNS is like a phonebook for the internet, translating user-friendly domain names into corresponding IP addresses that computers use to locate and connect to each other. Like most Internet infrastructure, DNS is a distributed service. When you enter a web address into your browser, the DNS resolver configured on your device (usually a server managed by your ISP) first consults its local cache to see if it can answer the request without further lookups.

If the site is one that you or another user of the same DNS resolver has accessed recently, the entry is likely already in the local cache. If not, a multi-tiered query is initiated, starting with the Root Servers. Root Servers are a distributed network of servers that provide crucial information for looking up domain names based on the Top Level Domain (TLD) – such as .com, .net, or .uk. The Root Server tells the resolver where to look next for the answer to its query. The resolver repeats this process, following successive “referrals” (called delegations) until a server is reached that provides an authoritative answer. That authoritative answer is then cached in the resolver’s local cache and provided to the system that requested it. If any system in this chain fails to work properly and doesn’t have a redundant backup, users cannot obtain an answer, and the desired service(s) will be unavailable.

Quality DNS infrastructure is critical as it directly impacts Internet speed, reliability, and security. Net10.net’s efficient DNS management leads to faster website loading times and better user experiences. It also plays a role in safeguarding users from potential cyber threats, such as phishing attacks and malware.

How Net10.net Manages DNS for Our Customers

Load Balancing, Geo-Diversity, and Redundancy

Net10.net Internet Services provides load balancing and redundancy techniques to ensure high availability and reliability. Load balancing distributes DNS queries across multiple servers to avoid overburdening any single server. Redundancy involves having multiple DNS servers that can handle the same queries, ensuring continuity in case of server failures. This also allows for servers to be placed in geographically diverse locations, allowing user queries to be returned more quickly.

Domain Registrars frequently offers “free” DNS hosting with domain registrations. While these services work fine, the level of available technical support is often minimal, and little to no emphasis is placed on speed and availability. Numerous DNS outages have occurred at large registrars in recent years, causing unnecessary outages of client websites. While Net10 never requires a client to host DNS with us, we do suggest avoiding “free” DNS services provided by domain registrars.

Net10.net Record Management

This may be one of the most important elements of a sound DNS strategy. Changes are often made or requested hastily or without appropriate review because those making the request (software vendors, website developers, email marketing companies, etc.) are only familiar with their particular request and not the other services that a customer may have set up. When Net10 manages records for a client, there is an added benefit of technical review of the changes for potential impacts to other services.

Net10.Net gives clients direct access to make their own DNS changes, but clients can always run those changes by us before implementing – just in case.

DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions):

DNSSEC is a suite of security extensions for DNS that provides protection against spoofing and other cyber threats. We include DNSSEC on our Recursive DNS Servers to validate data and ensure its integrity, providing customers with a more secure online experience.

Net10 Internet Services plays an integral role in managing DNS for our customers, facilitating the smooth functioning of the Internet. By employing recursive DNS servers, caching mechanisms, load balancing, redundancy, and security measures like DNSSEC, we strive to deliver a fast, reliable, and secure internet experience.

Addressing concerns related to user privacy and DNS hijacking as technology evolves is essential for ensuring a more transparent and user-centric Internet ecosystem. Understanding how we manage DNS empowers our customers to make informed decisions about their internet connectivity and security. Contact us if you have concerns or questions about DNS. We are always glad to help. Be sure to check out our other services, such as Business Application Hosting, Private Cloud Hosting, WordPress Hosting, and much more!

BTW, our WordPress Site Management Tips blog provides excellent advice if you are a WordPress fan.

Our related blog, What The Heck Is DNS, And Why Every Internet User Should Care is a good read, too. If you have any questions, contact us; we will gladly help.

DNS. What The Heck Is It And Why Every Internet User Should Care

by Bill Pitz | Aug 10, 2023 | DNS, Domain Names, Email, Malware, Net10.net Blogs, Ransomware

Have you ever wondered how your computer knows where to find the website you’re trying to access? Or how your emails reach their intended recipients? Behind the scenes, a critical technology called DNS (Domain Name System) plays a pivotal role in translating human-readable web addresses into machine-readable IP addresses. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of DNS and why you should care about it, focusing on Net10.net DNS and other Internet Services.

What is DNS?

Imagine the internet as a massive web of interconnected devices, servers, and networks. Each device has a unique identifier called an IP (Internet Protocol) address, which looks like a series of numbers. While computers can easily communicate with these numerical IP addresses, they could be more user-friendly for humans. That’s where DNS comes into play.

The Domain Name System acts as a digital phone book of the internet. It converts user-friendly domain names (like net10.net) into the corresponding IP addresses (like 203.0.113.10). When you enter a URL into your web browser, the DNS server is queried to find the correct IP address associated with that domain name, allowing your browser to connect to the correct server and fetch the website’s content.

Why Should You Care About DNS?

User Convenience: DNS simplifies our lives by simplifying how we access online resources. Just imagine if you had to remember a string of numbers for every website you wanted to visit! Thanks to DNS, you only need to remember the memorable domain names and the system handles the rest.

Faster Browsing: Efficient DNS resolution directly impacts your internet browsing speed. When a domain name’s IP address is cached locally, subsequent requests to the same domain can be processed faster, reducing website loading times.

Reliable Email Delivery: DNS is not only about accessing websites; it also plays a crucial role in email communication. Email servers use DNS to find the correct mail server for the recipient’s domain, ensuring your messages reach their intended destination. DNS records are also used by the recipient’s mail system to verify that your message came from an authorized source.

Secure Internet Experience: Cybersecurity relies on DNS to prevent users from accessing malicious websites. Domain Name System filtering and blacklisting help protect users from phishing scams, malware, and other cyber threats.

The Significance of Net10.net Internet Services

While Net10.net is an illustrative example in our blog post, it is essential to understand that every website, service, or email you interact with relies on the DNS infrastructure. Net10.net, like any other domain, requires proper DNS management to ensure its accessibility and functionality.

For website owners, managing DNS records correctly is crucial for website availability and performance. Misconfigured Domain Name System settings can lead to website downtime, which may result in lost revenue and decreased user trust. Similarly, DNS server outages can also lead to unreachable websites and undeliverable emails.

DNS is a behind-the-scenes technical aspect of the internet, and its importance cannot be overstated. The Domain Name System enables seamless communication between users and online resources, making the Internet accessible and convenient for everyone. Whether you are a casual internet user or a business owner, understanding and appreciating DNS will undoubtedly enhance your online experience.

So, the next time you enter Net10.net into your browser’s address bar or any other domain name, take a moment to appreciate the magic of DNS, the unsung hero that makes the internet a global network of possibilities.

What You Need To Know About Domain Name Registrations

by Bill Pitz | Apr 30, 2023 | Domain Names, Net10.net Blogs

Don’t Lose Your Domain Name!

Your domain name is arguably the most crucial part of your company’s online identity. After all, what would Amazon be without “Amazon.com” as the core of its identity? But unfortunately, losing a domain name is something we see happen occasionally, and it is entirely avoidable by taking a few steps.

Know Where Your Domain Is Registered

The most important thing you can do to safeguard this piece of your company’s online identity is to know the details. First, know where your domain name is registered. An accredited company that is a domain registrar provides this function. They maintain your domain name registration, proving your ownership and allowing you to make necessary changes, such as your contact information. The domain registrar collects an annual fee for this service. They keep part of it, and the rest flows upstream to the non-profit entity that runs the centralized database for the top-level domain. Examples include .com, .net, .and org. Switching your domain registration to a different domain registrar is possible and perfectly safe. Just ensure you know where your domain is moving from, where it is going, and how much lead time is required to transfer.

Don’t Fall For Phishing And Other Scams

Knowing who your domain registrar is makes you far less likely to have issues with scams. It’s a common practice for unscrupulous companies to send out messages that look like they are from a domain registrar. They attempt to get you to renew your registration, listing, etc., for a fee (usually a relatively substantial one). These notices come in the postal mail and email, so always be cautious. If you have questions about whether a particular company has anything to do with your domain registration, please ask us. We’d rather answer a few additional questions than see a customer lose either money or their domain name.

Pay Your Registration Fees

If your domain registration fees are not paid, your domain registrar can legally suspend your domain. There is typically a 30-day “redemption period” during which you can pay the domain registrar an additional fee to recover the suspended domain. After that period, the domain name is fair game. For example, suppose it has a positive reputation on search engines or is even slightly valuable. In that case, it will typically be snapped up immediately by a domain auction company attempting to sell it. Your only choice to recover your domain name is to repurchase it.

Keep Your Contact Information Up To Date

It is a must to update your contact information with your domain registrar. Aside from the obvious, they may need to contact you for payment or about an expired credit card. Therefore, keeping your contact information up to date is mandatory. Failure to do so can result in forfeiture of your domain. Your registrar will email you once a year to remind you to log in and verify the contact information on the account is current. Then, you can address any potential issues before your renewal is due and it’s crunch time.

Net10.net Can Be Your Domain Registrar – We Can Help

Net10.net is a domain registrar. The process to become one was arduous, but we did it. You can register your domain through our Domain Name Registration portal or we can register it for you. You can also transfer an existing domain to us allowing us the ability to help you manage it so you never lose it, just let us know. We’re happy to help take that headache off of your plate.

Net10.net Quick Tip

If you don’t know who your domain name registrar is or forget when your account will renew, you can check the public record by going to https://www.whois.com/whois/xx.com Replace xx.com with your domain name followed by the .com, .org, .net, etc. The public record provides helpful information.

Remember, when in doubt, contact Net10 at support@net.net. We’re here to help.