- What is a domain name?
- How can I get my own domain name?
- How much does domain name registration cost?
- What is web hosting?
- What is included in the web hosting account?
- How much does web hosting cost?
- Can I reserve a domain name without starting a web hosting account?
- My domain name is currently hosted with another service. Can I transfer it to your service?
- What if I've reserved a name and haven't done anything with it yet?
- I have shared hosting with the network membership (www.optometrists.org/myname). Can I upgrade to a domain name?
- If I already have a domain name elsewhere, can I still join the network just for the links and referrals?
What is a domain name?
A domain name functions as a unique electronic address for a web site on the internet. For example, the web address of a company named XYZ might be the domain name: www.xyz.com or www.xyz.org. There are now many other tags available, such as .info, .biz, .us, .pro, etc.
If you are take advantage of the shared hosting which is included, at no additional charge, as part of the annual membership fee, you will be sharing the domain name optometrists.org with the other members in our network.
How can I get my own domain name?
We can take care of all the steps of registering a domain name for you, (i.e., www.thatwouldbeyou.com). We will execute the administrative tasks (as Administrative and Billing Contact) and you will be the owner (Registrant) of the domain name.
In order to put your domain name into use as a web site, you will also have to start a web hosting account.
How much does domain name registration cost?
We collect the registration fee and process all paperwork for the convenience of our members. We charge $35.00 per year and bill in two year increments. The bill for US $70.00 will come directly from Optometrists Network.
Be aware that you will need to be on the look-out for phony invoices or expiration notices. There is a lot of "slamming" going on in the domain name registration market (similar to long distance telephone companies). Many companies send out misleading sales notices which appear to be legitimate invoices, but are not. When in doubt, pick up the phone and call the person who is handling your domain name registration.
What is web hosting?
A domain name must point to its own physical space on the Internet. With web hosting, you are leasing physical space and web resources on a web server. A web server is a computer which is configured to serve up web pages AND is connected to the Internet for this purpose. Web hosting fees can be categorized as utility leasing fees.
What is included in the web hosting account?
- 30MB disk space, 100MB/day bandwidth usage ("traffic"). You will never have to worry about running out of space or paying additional bandwidth charges.
- FTP access
- Catch-all mail forwarding for your domain name email. Please contact us about your other email options.
- 99.9% reliability and uptime. Your web site will be available 24 hours a day. Redundancy and backup insures that your web site will not "go down."
- Fast download speeds. Our servers are top-of-the-line. High-speed bandwidth is supplied by multiple Direct DS-3 data line connections to three national backbones: Digex, UUnet and SAVVIS.
- Expandability. If you wish, your account can be upgraded to add on advanced development features.
How much does web hosting cost?
Prepaid Annual Rate: $19.00 per month (30 day money-back cancellation period). This discounted hosting rate is available to our members only.
Monthly Payment Plan: $35.00 per month automatic debit to your credit card.
Can I reserve a domain name without starting a web hosting account?
Yes. As a courtesy, we provide "free name parking" to our members. We will register and locate (park) your domain name on our servers at no additional charge (Internic fees can not be avoided, however). This is useful if you wish to reserve a particular name, but are not ready to immediately start your web site.
My domain name is currently hosted with another service. Can I transfer it to your service?
As the accountholder and/or registrant (owner) of the domain name, you will need to authorize the move. Please call us at 212-414-1804 to discuss the details.
What if I've reserved a name and haven't done anything with it yet?
If you are ready to use this name, we suggest that you locate your proof of registration (and authority to make changes) and give us a telephone call to discuss your options. 212-414-1804.
I have the shared hosting with the network membership (www.optometrists.org/myname). Can I upgrade to a domain name?
You can upgrade to a domain name at any time. We will register the name, set-up your new domain name hosting account, and move your web site to your new location. All links to your web site within our network will be updated. A forwarding utliity will be installed at your former address/location.
If I already have a domain name (web site) elsewhere, can I still join the network just for the links and referrals?
Absolutely. Many do! If you already have a harmonius relationship with a web designer or internet service provider outside of our network, by all means, carry on! Our primary mission is to make optometrists visible on the Web. Your links in the network can lead to any web address.
