Definitions

• What is DNS?

  DNS stands for Domain Name System (The "S" in DNS can also stand for Service or Server). It specifies how domain names are translated into IP addresses. Since the Internet is based on IP addresses, each time you use a domain name, a DNS server must translate the name into the correct IP address. A DNS server is a computer which takes in a domain name and returns the correct IP address for the domain. This IP address represents the domain's actual location on the Internet.

• What is image alt text?

  Image alt text has a couple of uses. Basically, it's an opportunity to put into words what the image is and it's function on the page. This is helpful to both users and to Google and other search engines, which is why we have added an easy way to enter image alt text for images on our website builder. From a user standpoint, alt text is what shows in place of an image if they have images turned off on their web browser or are unable to see images for any other reason. For Google and other search engines, it helps them index the image, so it can be found based on the keywords you use in your image alt text. However, keep in mind that alt text best practices should mean that you're using relevant keywords to what is actually in the image and it's purpose on your website. If you would like more information about image alt text and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices, we doing some research online as there are many great resources out there.

• What are sponsored TLDs (sTLDs)?

  Sponsored top-level domains (sTLDs) are a type or category of top-level domain that is distinguished by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). sTLDs are specialized domain extensions that have a sponsor behind them that represents a specific community that the domain will serve. For example, .ASIA was sponsored by the DotAsia Organization to be a regional domain for Asia and the Pacific.

• What is a "Catch-All" email address?

  A "Catch All" email address is one that you can set up to receive any email sent to any address on your domain. For example, if you only have [email protected] set up, but you have it set as your catch all email, then you will also receive emails to [email protected], [email protected], as well as any typos. Setting up a catch all email is a good idea to ensure that you don't miss any emails sent to your domain. It is especially good if your name is something that is often misspelled. Learn how to set a catch-all email address in our Email plan

• What are name servers?

  A name server is a server that returns an IP address when given a domain name. This IP address is basically the domain's location on the Internet. Sometimes name servers are referred as DNS servers (and vice versa) because they essentially perform the same function; when given a domain name, they return the IP address for that domain. The difference is that with DNS, the domain owner will be setting the IP addresses to your domain and your mail server(s). For domains registered at Dynadot, you will be using the Dynadot servers, however, you will be setting up the IP addresses. If you are using name servers obtained from your web host, you are using your web host's servers, and they typically set up the IP addresses for you. Basically, DNS is where you set the IP address for your domain while with name servers, your web host sets the IP address for you. If you are using our web hosting, these are our name servers you can set your domain to use. Find out how to set your domain's name servers. Find out how to set up DNS for your domain.

• What does re-registration mean?

  When previously owned domains are released by the Registry back to the public for open registration, there is a fixed window where they qualify as re-registrations (re-reg). The window starts as soon as the domains are released, or dropped, and ends 23:59 UTC that same day. If a domain is registered within that time frame, it is a re-registration.

• What are grace hours?

  Dynadot is one of the few registrars that supports domain tasting also know as grace deletions. Most domain extensions support grace deletions and most give you up to 118 grace hours to submit your grace deletion. You can see the amount of grace hours each domain extension offers on our Grace Deletion page. You can see the amount of grace hours left for your recent domain registrations by logging in to your Dynadot account and going to "New Domains" from the "Domains" drop down. There you will see a table that lists your most recent domain registrations (from top to bottom) as well as the amount of grace hours left for each of those domains under the "Grace (hours)" column. If you are planning to grace delete your domain, you must do so within the grace hours given for that domain; however, some domain extensions also have a maximum rate of deletion, which limits the number of grace deletions relative to the number of registrations. For this reason, even if you submit your grace deletion request within the grace hours of your domain, there is no guarantee you will be able to successfully grace delete it. If you are successful in your grace deletion, you will receive a refund in account credit minus any deletion fee. Grace domain deletion may be useful, for example, if you misspelled the domain name you wanted to register or you decide that you want to register a different domain name.

• What is a Marketplace domain?

  The Dynadot domain marketplace is the perfect place to buy and sell domains! A Marketplace domain is a domain name for sale by another Dynadot customer. The seller has the option to list the domain for a price or for "make offer." A buyer can then purchase a Marketplace domain at the price set by the seller or make an offer to the seller to begin the purchase process. Looking to sell? Learn how to list your domain for sale.

• What is domain auto-renew?

  Ensure you never lose a domain with Dynadot's domain auto-renew! Our auto-renew system will take care of your domain renewal for you. Basically, once you set your domain to auto-renew and select a payment method for your auto-renew domains, our system will automatically renew your domain 15 days before its expiration date. If for some reason, our attempt to renew your domain is unsuccessful, you will receive an email for us letting you know. Then, our system will continue to attempt to renew your domain everyday until the domain's expiration. This allows you to address the issue - usually a payment issue such as an expired credit card or not enough account credit to cover the renewal - and then allow our system to still take care of the renewal for you. Once your domain auto-renewal has been completed, you will receive a confirmation email from us. NOTE: If your domain expires and our system was unable to successfully auto-renew it, you will need to manually renew it yourself. Most domains have a renewal grace period that will allow you to complete the renewal for a certain amount of time after the domain's expiration date. How do I edit an existing credit card? How do I add another credit card to my Dynadot account?

• What are registry premium domains?

  Registry premium domains are a select list of domain names that are sold at a premium price set by the central registry. The central registries for these domains charge a premium registration price due to the estimated higher value of the domain name. The premium price is often applied to the registration, renewal, and transfer price of the domain name. Sometimes the renewal price will be less, but usually it is still more than standard pricing for that TLD. We offer a list of available premium .TV domains on our website. You can get more info about the premium pricing of some of our registries below: Donuts Minds + Machines Rightside NOTE: Premium prices are subject to change per the registry. This applies to registration, renewal, and transfer pricing. Some registries also set aside reserved domain names that are not available for registration. Is the domain you’re looking for taken or unavailable? Enter keywords into our domain suggestion tool and discover quality domains that are available for registration.