Frequently Asked Questions - Domain Names

• What is a Domain Name, and why would I want one?
• How do I get my own Domain Name?
• How do I upgrade from a Basic Web account to my own a Virtual Domain or Virtual Server account?

What is a Domain Name, and why would I want one?

Simply put, a domain name is a description of a computer's "location" on the Internet. It contains a few components, separated by a period ("dot"). Reading a simple domain name

widget.example.com

from left to right (most specific to least specific), the first item (widget) is the name of the host computer itself, or the hostname. The next item (example) is the second-level domain name, and is registered by an organization or entity with InterNIC Registration Services. The last item (com) is a top-level domain name, and describes the purpose of the organization or entity who owns the second-level name. A domain name may include other components between the hostname and the second-level domain name; these are called subdomains.

For a more detailed description, try our Domain Name Resource page.

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How do I get my own Domain Name?

Here are the steps to getting your own Domain Name:

Determine what you would like your Domain Name to be. If you are creating a business website, you may use the standard Commercial or .com Top Level Domain. You will want to find out if the name you have thought of has already been taken by someone else. If so, you will need to come up with a new name. Try to be flexible, since there are literally millions of Domain Names already taken. Be sure to have to alternative Domain Names, even if your primary choice appears available. Once you have found a Domain Name that appears to be available, jump straight to our menu driven Signup form and select from our available website hosting services. If you select either our Virtual Domain or our Virtual Server accounts, you will be prompted to enter your choice of Domain Names. We do the rest!

If you already have a Basic Web account with Elite Host, and you are ready to upgrade, see our "How do I upgrade from a Basic Web account to my own a Virtual Domain or Virtual Server account?" question/answer.

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How do I upgrade from a Basic Web account to my own a Virtual Domain or Virtual Server account?

An upgrade from a Basic Web account to a Virtual Domain or Virtual Server account involves two steps.

Determine what you would like your Domain Name to be. If you are creating a business website, you may use the standard Commercial or .com Top Level Domain. You will want to find out if the name you have thought of has already been taken by someone else. If so, you will need to come up with a new name. Try to be flexible, since there are literally millions of Domain Names already taken. Be sure to have to alternative Domain Names, even if your primary choice appears available. Once you have found a Domain Name that appears to be available, jump straight to our menu driven Signup form and select from our available website hosting services. If you select either our Virtual Domain or our Virtual Server accounts, you will be prompted to enter your choice of Domain Names. We do the rest!

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