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Domain Name FAQ
What types of letters and symbols can I use in my domain name?
A: For most normal domain names you can use the letters a-z, the numbers 0 through to 9, and one special character, and of course the ever popular hyphen �-�. Although its important to note that domains cannot begin or finish with a hyphen. With the creation of the new IDNs (Internationalized Domain Names), the full range of Unicode characters are permissable. These IDNs allow almost all of the languages on the world to be used within domain names, including Thai, Arabic, French, German etc.
How many characters long can my domain name be?
A: Generic domains (gTLDs) can be upto 63 characters in the second level, plus the top level domain, .com, .net and so on.
How long is the maximum registration period allowed?
A: Normally, you are only allowed to register your domain name for period of between 1 and 10 years at a time. At the moment registrys don�t allow you to register for any longer than a decade.
How long does it take to make & process a domain name registration?
A: Usually it only takes about 10 minutes or so. Once you have chosen the name and paid for it, most registration systems will register your name in something pretty close to real-time.
Do I actually "own" a domain name that I register?
A: You never actually outright own any domain that you "buy", its more like a rental contract. Importantly, you have the exclusive right to renew the agreement with the registry at the end of the initial registration period, so although you may not own it, theres no reason you won�t control your domain name forever; unless of course you decide to give it up!
Why does my Internet domain name still show as unregistered in a WHOIS tool?
A: WHOIS tools are meant to show the nameserver / contact information for domain names held by a particular ICANN registrar. They are typical not updated in real-time and thus are not good indicators of current domain registration status.
How will I know if a Internet domain registration attempt has been successful?
A: WHOIS tool takes anything up to 48 hrs to be updated so can�t be relied on. A better indicator is whether you receive a confirmation e-mail from the domain registrar. You could also try registering the name again. By doing so, the registrar will do a "live" availability check on the name, which will indicate to you whether the name has been registered or not. This is not the same as a WHOIS look-up.
How long does it take after I register my domain name before it becomes active?
A: Normally your domain name should become active after about fourty-eight hours. The reason it takes so long, is that all ISPs (Internet Service Providers) around the world need to update their records about the existence and location of your new domain, so that any requests made for your domain can be sent through to your host's servers. This takes time, so depending on the internet traffic, it can take as long as 72 hours for everyone to be able to access your site; but 24-48 is more common.
Can I register a domain even if I don't intend to use it?
A: Yup. Sadly many people abuse this though and register names they have no intention of ever using and just sit on them in the hope that someone who really needs the name (e.g. yourcompanyname.com) will pay up big bucks. There have been numerous high profile cases of "cyber-squatters" being taken to court in order to force them to relinquish domains they've hijacked.
Can I get a refund if I make a mistake & register the wrong name?
A: Nope. Sorry - just wait until it expires and then be sure not to renew! Some registrars will automatically renew for you unless you specifically ask not to - you have been warned!
Which registrar does Cleartide recommend?
A: We don't officially recommend any specific registrar, however we ourselves often use UKReg, Network Solutions or GoDaddy. The choice is yours.
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Cleartide Limited
6 Plato Place,
St Dionis Rd,
London,
SW6 4TU
Tel: 020 7168 3684
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