A domain name is an identification string (usually composed of letters and/or numbers and/or dash characters) that defines a realm of administrative autonomy, authority or control within the Internet. Domain names are formed by the rules and procedures of the Domain Name System. Any name registered in the DNS is a domain name. Domain names are used in various networking contexts and for application-specific naming and addressing purposes. Most Internet users usually think of a domain name as synonymous with a website since domain names usually are used to point at websites. However, domain names may also be used for strictly email without a website attached to them.
There are so many scams out there on the Internet it’s impossible to keep up with them or list them here. Here’s a common one we see nearly every day to possibly hijack your domain name. Your domain name is the unique identifier that gets web visitors to your website – you don’t want to lose it.
Many people receive mail about renewing their domain name. These offerings are designed to look like you owe money to renew domains. In some scams, when you respond to these you may lose your domain. They’re sophisticated and have been around a long time. Reading the text closely usually reveals that they are in fact a solicitation to move your domain elsewhere.
Domain names are usually handled one of two ways. One is through the company you do business with to handle your web needs. They keep the domain locked in a master account of theirs and through that they ensure that the domain name is kept renewed and bill you for that. The other way is for the individual to manage their domain themselves. That method leaves open the possibility of not receiving an email and therefore losing the domain as it expires. Domain expiration allows anyone else to purchase that domain name.
Charles Oropallo, who owns and founded CharlesWorks in 1998 in Peterborough NH
Charles Oropallo from CharlesWorks in Peterborough NH will be bringing you articles on popular web topics with helpful hints. Most are simple, some are for the more experienced. All should be useful and educational. We will address:
Passwords with our focus on making them secure – yet easy to remember.
Common Internet scam information about domain name renewals to perhaps save you a lot of grief going forward.
More Internet scam information about Directory Listing scams to again save you a lot of grief.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) in layman’s language and how it works.
Current web design products like WordPress – a free content management system for building websites.
Some information about spam and how you get onto those spammer’s lists.
Common myths and misconceptions about domain names aimed at helping you protect your online brand.
The ease (or not) of website self-maintenance for do-it-yourselfers.
The importance of shopping local and supporting your own community.
Things to know about email security on your phone or on your computer or on your tablet.
Website hosting and the advantages to local servers vs cloud storage.
The occasional pitfalls of having your friends help you with your web needs.
Reviewing your website now and then.
A little about email etiquette and things to avoid.
A common email extortion to ignore.
Secure Socket layers (SSL) and the surrounding hype.
Some tips and thoughts about choosing domain names.
Free counters and issues surrounding most “free” web stuff.
Info about a common “you need to update your email” scam.
A brief explanation of “the cloud” as applied to the Internet.
Social media – Facebook in particular – and how it relates to your web presence.
How long you have to get site visitor’s attention.
Who owns your domain and info about domain ownership.
Checking up on your web content and the minimum needed.
Checklist to help you find the best web developer.
And more! We’ll update this page over time with the topics we cover each week!
Lots to share!
Email us with questions/suggestions. Check back here at Charles Tips each week to see our weekly installments!
Charles Oropallo (Charles@CharlesWorks.com) started CharlesWorks in Peterborough NH in 1998. His team has performed website design, hosting, search engine optimization (SEO) and related web services for thousands of web clients on four continents.
