A domain name is an easy to remember name that provides you with an identity on the Internet. It is the equivalent of a telephone number on the Internet and translates to an IP address. Domain names are unique and are not case sensitive. If you register a domain name, as long as you keep up the registration no-one else can use it. Anyone can register a domain name and they are disappearing fast as companies and private individuals want to have a presence on the Internet.
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Are there any rules for registering domain names?

Domain names must be between 3 and 67 characters long, although shorter names are easier to remember. Valid characters are letters, numbers and hyphens, although you cannot start or end a domain name with a hyphen. Domain names cannot contain spaces. You should not register names that are under copyright or trade mark rights to someone else.
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Choose a name appropriate to what you want to use it for. You may want your company name or your personal name, or just a name that you feel is appropriate. You may find that the name you want is in use, if this is the case then try different variations of the name, such as using hyphens between words.
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UK domains include .co.uk, .org.uk, .ltd.uk, .plc.uk and .me.uk. The most commonly used one is .co.uk. Two of these domains have restrictions and these are: .ltd.uk which can only be registered by registered limited companies and .plc.uk which can only be registered by plcs. In each case the domain name must match the company name and must be registered to the same company. If you wish to register one of these it will be referred to a manual process by Nominet and you will be asked for further information such as a company registration number. Nominet's rules for registering this type of domain can be found on their web site. Nominet's terms and conditions can be found at http://www.nic.uk/ref/terms.html.

Generic domains are .com, .net, .org, .info and .biz and these are generally used by US companies and companies who have a global presence. They are available on a first come, first served basis and are also popular with UK companies, although some UK search engines may ignore URLs with these generic suffixes. We are partnered with Internet Names WorldWide for registration of .com, .net, .org, .biz and .info domains. Their policies can be found at http://www.inww.com/policies/

Alternative domains are .uk.co, .uk.com, .uk.net, .gb.com, .gb.net, .eu.com and .eu.net. These domains allow for a greater choice of identity. They are available on a first come, first served basis. The domains .uk.com, .uk.net, .gb.com, .gb.net, .eu.com and .eu.net are registered through CentralNic and their terms and conditions are at http://www.centralnic.com/reference/tandc.shtml.

.eu is a domain space available to individuals and companies within the European Community. They are available on a first come, first served basis and are becoming very popular. The registry for these domain names is EURid (http://www.eurid.eu) and we are partnered with Internet Names WorldWide for registration of .eu domain names. Their policies can be found at http://www.inww.com/policies/
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The cost includes the registration fee for the registration period selected, 10 POP3 emails, web forwarding, Meta Tags and "parking".
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Meta Tag information helps to make your site more visible to some search engines. If you set up Framed forwarding you can specify a Page Title, Description and Keywords for the Frame that forwards your web site. Please note: You still have to submit your web site to the search engines either by visiting their sites or by using submission software (see the Services page for more information on submission software).
If you don't use forwarding your domain name will point to our standing 'holding page', which advises users that your domain name is in use. If you wish you can place your own message on this page - up to 200 characters.
Both these options are available through the Admin page.
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You can search for availability of domain names using our free domain name search.
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Yes. If you are thinking about having a presence on the Internet, then you should register your chosen domain name without delay. If you leave it until tomorrow it could well be too late. One thing to note is that it is frowned upon to register a name to stop others from using it, so only buy names you intend to use yourself.
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On receipt of your application and payment, the domain name registration will usually be sent off immediately. It can take up to 2 days for the domain name to be activated.
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The domain name will be registered in your name. Initial registration varies and can be 1 or 2 years, after this time you will be required to renew the registration. As long as you keep up the registration the domain name will remain yours. We will take care of registration renewals by asking you for a renewal payment when it is due.

If you register a name under any of the .uk.com, .uk.net, .gb.com and .gb.net second level domains, you do not actually own the name, you just pay us for pointing the name at an internet address. In addition, if the domain name changes ownership the new owner must re-register the name and pay the full registration fee.
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Choose a name appropriate to what you want to use it for. You may want your company name or your personal name, or just a name that you feel is appropriate. You may find that the name you want is in use, if this is the case then try different variations of the name, such as using hyphens between words.
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The most basic use is for e-mail. If you want a full presence on the Internet we can provide you with web site hosting solutions. Please contact us for further information.
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Zylem staff have years of experience in computing and the Internet. You will find our prices are competitive and if you want to progress to a web site, we will work with you to find a solution that is most appropriate to you and your business. We can provide the full Internet solution, from domain name registration, web site hosting and design.
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Yes, if you already have a domain name with another ISP, you can transfer it to us. Please contact us for information on how to transfer your domain name.
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