Synergy Fiber

What is a Domain Name?

Domain names are the familiar, easy to remember names for computers on the Internet (such as synergyfiber.com). They correspond to a series of numbers (called Internet Protocol numbers) that serve as routing addresses on the Internet. Domain names are used generally as a convenient way of locating information and reaching others on the Internet.

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

The Internet domain name system (DNS) consists of a directory, organized hierarchically, of all the domain names and their corresponding computers registered to particular companies and persons using the Internet. When you register a domain name, it will be associated with the computer on the Internet you designate during the period the registration is in effect.

Why Register a Domain Name?

Like the typewriter, fax machine, 800 number, personal computers and yes e-mail, the next big innovation is a presence on the Web. The future is here and even if you are not ready for a web page, someday you will be. There is a good chance that your first choice for a web name is already taken. Save yourself money and frustration by registering your web name today.

Why should I register with Synergy?

We will properly register your domain name with ICANN and insure that you legally own your domain name. Be careful of cyber squatters and hosting companies that will register themselves as the owner of your domain name. You can search for domain names using InterNIC's Who is Search or contact us to help you in the search for a great domain name. Be wary of searching for names on other web sites because many people have written scripts to log all domain searches and register them and post them on sites for sale at large markups.

A Couple Domain Name Suggestions

Keep it as short as possible. Shorter names are easier to remember.
If at all possible, register a .com domain name. .Com has become the industry standard and is still what the browsers and users go to by default.

A Little ICANN History

"ICANN" (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) regulates the numerical Internet protocol addresses (IP addresses) and top-level domains (TLD's). ICANN, established in 1998, declares its goal is to "help guide the Internet into the post-monopolistic, self organizing era". The American military created the Internet (originally called the Arpanet) as a decentralized communications system that could outlast even the most cataclysmic nuclear exchange. IP addresses were originally governed by IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority). In 1992, the US National Science Foundation partnered with Network Solutions (NSI out of Herndon, VA) to match numerical addresses with the text addresses called a top-level domain (TLD). In 1994, the US stopped subsidizing the Internet and NSI began charging $70/ year for a domain name. In June of 1998, the government relayed plans to break up the monopoly. In September of 1999, the monopoly broke and ICANN came into existence. Competitors to NSI signed an accreditation agreement with ICANN and paid a fee.