We have put together this informational guide to help new users learn what is involved in starting or building a website. Their is several key points you need to look at such as do you want a website that is for personal, blogging, forum, organization, business, press, professional, e-commerce, or community website. Their is unlimited number of website types depending on what you need. I will explain the doo's and don'ts for your website. I will also explain in terms you can understand in a way that you will understand the technical  terms. I will be targeting domain name registration, SSL certificate, server platform, software you will be using for  building your site versus using a website builder, search engine website friendly,  browser friendly website, and more when their is a topic request.

Domain Name Registration

The following is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the domain name registration process and the new competitive registration environment. It is expected that this list will be updated frequently, so please check back often.

What is the domain name system?

The Domain Name System (DNS) helps users to find their way around the Internet. Every computer on the Internet has a unique address - just like a telephone number - which is a rather complicated string of numbers. It is called its "IP address" (IP stands for "Internet Protocol"). IP Addresses are hard to remember. The DNS makes using the Internet easier by allowing a familiar string of letters (the "domain name") to be used instead of the arcane IP address. So instead of typing 216.246.91.143, you can type www.sbutlerhost.com. It is a  "mnemonic"  device that makes addresses easier to remember.

What does it mean to "register" a domain name?

When you register a domain name, you are inserting an entry into a directory of all the domain names and their corresponding computers on the Internet.

How do I register a domain name?

Domain names ending with .com .NET .org .biz .info .cc .TV .ws .nu .bz .us and more can be registered through us.

You will be asked to provide various contact and technical information that makes up the registration. The records of the contact information is submitted to  the technical information to a central directory known as the "registry." This registry provides other computers on the Internet the information necessary to send you e-mail or to find your web site. You will also be required to enter a registration contract with us, which sets forth the terms under which your registration is accepted and will be maintained.

Will my name and contact information be publicly available?

Information about who is responsible for domain names is publicly available to allow rapid resolution of technical problems and to permit enforcement of consumer protection, trademark, and other laws. We will make this information available to the public on a "Whois" site. It is however possible to register a domain in the name of a third party, as long as they agree to accept responsibility -- ask us for further details.

How long does a registration last? Can it be renewed?

We have flexibility to offer initial and renewal registrations in one-year increments, with a total registration period limit of ten years. 

How much does a domain-name registration name cost?

Each domain name cost varies on the type of domain you are registering. Our prices range from $14.95 - $34.95 per year.

Can I change registrars after registering a domain name?

Yes, you may change to another registrar sponsoring your domain name (60 days after initial registration.) For details on the transfer process, contact the registrar you would like to assume sponsorship of the registration.

I have seen advertisements for domain-name registration by companies not in the accredited registrar directory. Are these legitimate?

Only registrars accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) are authorized to register .com .NET .org .biz .info .cc .TV .ws .nu .bz .us etc. names. Some of these accredited registrars offer their services through resellers, which may provide assistance in completing the registration process. Your registration contract, however, will be with the accredited registrar and that registrar will maintain your  contact information.

What is ICANN?

ICANN is the new non-profit corporation that is assuming responsibility from the U.S. Government for coordinating certain Internet technical functions, including the management of Internet domain name system. More information about ICANN can be found at http://www.icann.org.

Someone else has registered my company's name as a domain name. What is the process for resolving my complaint?

All ICANN-accredited registrars follow a uniform dispute resolution policy. Under that policy, disputes over entitlement to a domain-name registration are ordinarily resolved by court litigation between the parties claiming rights to the registration. Once the court rules who is entitled to the registration, the registrar will implement that ruling. In disputes arising from registrations allegedly made abusively (such as "cyber squatting" and cyber piracy"), the uniform policy provides an expedited administrative procedure to allow the dispute to be resolved without the cost and delays often encountered in court litigation. In these cases, you can invoke the administrative procedure by filing a complaint with one of the dispute-resolution service providers listed at <http://www.icann.org/udrp/approved-providers.htm>. For more details on the uniform dispute resolution policy, see <http://www.icann.org/udrp/udrp.htm>, and the FAQs at <http://www.internic.net/faqs/udrp.html>.

If I have customer service questions or problems related to my domain name registration, who should I contact?

You should contact us about any problems or concerns you may have.