Frequently asked questions

What Is A Domain Name?
What Is The Difference Between Extensions?
Is My Domain Name Available?
How Do I Register A Domain Name?
How Long Does It Take To Register A Domain Name?
What Does It Cost To Register A Domain Name?
What Happens After The Initial Registration Period Has Elapsed?
Can You Register Domain Names In Other Extensions?
Does My Domain Name Have To Remain With Sipero Online?
How Do I Transfer An Existing Domain Name To Sipero Online?
I Want To Register My Domain Name Now But Do Not Want A Web Site Yet

What Is A Domain Name?
A domain name is a text name which is used as a convenient way of finding your way around the Internet. It is part of a system called Domain Name Service (DNS) which provides you with an easy to remember address.

Registering a domain name on the Internet is the equivalent of registering a company name at Companies House. Once registered, no-one else can use that name. As there are many companies with similar names, it is important to register a suitable domain name for your company as soon as possible. Registering a suitable domain name is advisable to ensure your clients can easily remember the address of information, products and services you provide on the Internet.

Using appropriate domain names makes it easy for people to find you on the Internet, gives your online business more credibility and since you own the name you are not tied down to a particular Internet Service Provider (ISP) - you can change providers as often as you like without changing your e-mail or web address.

What Is The Difference Between Extensions?
All domain names are accessible from anywhere in the world, there is no performance difference between extensions. The main difference is in that .com's are perceived as being international and .co.uk's are seen as being UK based. If your company has an international market a .com domain would be a good choice whereas, .co.uk is ideal for companies primarily focused upon the UK.

A complete list of extensions offered by Sipero Online, along with a summary of their intended use is shown below.

Extension Intended Use

• .com Intended for commercial organisations and by far the most popular extension, a .com gives an 'international' status with no obvious indication as to where the company is based.
• .co.uk In common with .com, .co.uk is intended for commercial organisations and suggests a company primarily focused on the United Kingdom.
• .org The preferred choice for nonprofit making organisations wishing to portray a global presence.
• .org.uk The choice for nonprofit making organisations based in or focused towards the United Kingdom.
• .net Has become a popular choice where the preferred name is unavailable in .com and for general Internet use. Like .com, .net commands a global appeal.

There are no restrictions on who can register names in any of the above extensions. There are considerable advantages in registering your name in multiple extensions, ensuring that customers can find you regardless of the extension they enter.

Is My Domain Name Available?
Many names have already been registered and are in use by other parties or individuals. You can use our free domain search to check if your preferred name is still available.

How Do I Register A Domain Name?
You can register your domain name online by clicking 'check domains' in the main menu then selecting register domains.

How Long Does It Take To Register A Domain Name?
Your domain name will be registered immediately on receipt of your order. Once your domain name has been registered it can take up to 72 hours before it becomes visible to all users of the Internet. This is because all Internet Service Providers need to update their records to show the new location of your domain name.

What Does It Cost To Register A Domain Name?
The cost of a domain name depends on the extension you choose and the period for which you register it. Please see our current pricing for more information.

What Happens After The Initial Registration Period Has Elapsed?
After the initial registration period you can choose to renew your domain name for a further period or to allow your domain name to expire. The cost for the second and all subsequent periods will be the same as for the initial one. See our current pricing for more details.

Can You Register Domain Names In Other Extensions?
Yes, Sipero Online can register your domain name in any extension worldwide. Please contact us for further information and pricing.

Does My Domain Name Have To Remain With Sipero Online?
No, the domain name you register belongs to you. We will transfer the name to any Service Provider you nominate at your request and at no extra charge.

How Do I Transfer An Existing Domain Name To Sipero Online?
When placing your order make sure that you specify that it is a transfer. You will then need to ask your existing host to release your domain, you will be given detailed instruction on what to do when you place your order. If your web site is active you should keep your old hosting account open for a short time so that you can upload a mirror site onto our servers, ensuring that whilst your domain name is being transferred your site is accessible at all times.

I Want To Register My Domain Name Now But Do Not Want A Web Site Yet
Domain name parking is included free of charge with all domain names. Just specify parking when you place your order, we will place a courtesy park page at your domain name until you are ready to use it. You can use your domain name with any of our hosting plans in the future for no extra charge.