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IT FAQs

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Domain name basics

What is a domain name?

A domain name is an address on the Internet. The most common uses for domain names are for:

• web site addresses: the domain name is prefixed by "www"
• email addresses: the domain name follows the '@' symbol in the email address

Top level domains come in two types:

• Generic top level domains (gTLDs). These include .net, .com, .org, .biz, .info and .name. The policy for these names – who is eligible for a name, and what names are allowed – is set by the international policy authority, ICANN.
• Country Code top level domains (ccTLDs). These include .au for Australia, .uk for the United Kingdom, .nz for New Zealand, .us for the USA, etc. The policy for these names – who is eligible for a name, and what names are allowed – is set by a domain name authority in each country.

What is a registry, a registrar and a reseller?

The registry holds the database of domain names and operates the nameservers that make the domain names visible on the Internet. The registry does not have direct contact with registrants. The registry for com.au, net.au, org.au, asn.au, gov.au and id.au is AusRegistry. The registry for edu.au is AUNIC.

A registrar issues domain name licences to registrants. Registrars decide whether or not your domain name application meets the policy rules. Registrars have direct access to the registry so that they can process new registrations and renewals, and update registrant contact details in the database. Registrars in the .au domain are accredited and licensed by auDA. For more information see the list of auDA Accredited Registrars.

Some registrars use resellers to provide customer sales and support. Resellers do not have direct access to the registry, and must process registrations and renewals through their registrar. Resellers are not accredited or licensed by auDA, they are appointed by a registrar.

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