Posts filed under 'Domain Name Hosting'
Ajax Whois Script : A simple, yet powerful domain name whois checking program written in PHP.
Automatically checks multiple extensions and gives you the results in seconds. Whois Script checks: .com .net .org .info .biz .us .co.uk .me.uk .org.uk and much more.
Features
* Everything done without refreshing the page.
* Domain name extension can be added easily.
* Easily intergrated into thirdparty shopping cart for domain name reseller.
Requirement
* Php 4.0 or above, Apache/IIS (Linux, Mac, Windows).
Details
February 4th, 2008
If you had a domain name all picked out, only to discover that someone seemed to have registered it after you looked it up but before you bought it, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) would like to talk to you. The agency opened an investigation to discover whether this practice is going on, and if so, what to do about it.It’s called “domain name front running,” and only someone with inside information can do it. Basically, you need to know what queries are being made to the whois service, and which ones don’t resolve to existing domain names. When you find a query that fits that description, you buy it, park it, and figure on selling it later for a large profit. Oh, and of course you get whoever wanted to buy the domain name rather annoyed.
This is totally different from other forms of domain name speculation you may have heard about. It’s not unusual for someone to buy a generic-sounding domain name – like cowboys.com, to coin an example – and then sell it for a profit based on the kind of traffic it can generate with the right web site built around it. A good, dedicated domainer might even put some work into building the site up in a way that fits with the suggested theme before selling it, to at least make back the initial investment.
Domain name front running gets its name from a similar practice in the finance industry, namely “stock and commodity front running.” This happens when a client orders his stock broker to make a purchase, and the broker first makes a purchase of his own based on the order he just received from his client. Stock and commodity front running is illegal.
Domain name front running is not, however. That should come as no surprise, both because the Powers That Be often try to err on the side of less regulation when it comes to the Internet, and because, as I mentioned in the introduction, there is some dispute as to whether it actually exists. A recent announcement by VeriSign seems to indicate that if it doesn’t exist yet, it will very soon.
Domain Name News broke the story late last month. Citing sources, it revealed that VeriSign is mulling the idea of selling access to selected root DNS server lookup data to registrars. This data contains failed lookups. When you know what sites people are trying to find that don’t actually exist, you can make estimates of how profitable they might be, and then buy them.
Domain name tasters can already get this information from some ISPs. But VeriSign manages two of the 13 root name servers, so getting the data directly from them cuts out a middleman. It’s rumored that this data won’t come cheap or easy, however. VeriSign allegedly plans to offer a batched service which would let registrars upload a list of names and then receive a report detailing which names saw “lookup traffic” over a specific period of time.
That covers the “not easy” part. The “not cheap” part is pretty exorbitant, as you’d expect when speculators may be involved. Rumors peg the price of the proposed service as high as one million dollars – with the fee to be waived if the resulting volume of domain name registration warrants it.
Are you angry yet? ICANN’s Security and Stability Advisory Committee is, if not angry, at least a bit put out. They released an 11-page PDF report on the issue. They did concede that there has been no guidance on the matter. “ICANN’s Registrar Accreditation Agreement and Registry Agreements do not expressly prohibit registrars and registries from monitoring and collecting WHOIS…domain name availability query data and either selling this information or using it directly,” concedes the SSAC. “In the absence of an explicit prohibition, registrars might conclude that monitoring availability checks is appropriate behavior.”
The SSAC noted in its report that “Registrants have filed complaints with ICANN, registrars, and with Intellectual Property attorneys that suggest domain name front running incidents may have occurred.” Numerous suspicious incidents have undoubtedly gone unreported. Our own CTO, a man with many ideas for cool and useful web sites, estimates that it has happened to him “a minimum of 10 times.” The Internet used to be a place where you could start a business on a shoestring; if someone else has grabbed the domain name you want to use and is trying to sell it at a profit, that’s not true anymore. Multiply our CTO by all the people who have great ideas for an Internet business but not a lot of money to get it started, and you begin to see a real economic impact to this practice.
One of the reasons ICANN is concerned about this alleged practice is that it “portrays an unfavorable image of the parties associated with the domain name registration process in specific, and of the domain name community in general.” Part of this image may have to do with the methods involved in domain name front running. Practitioners must have information, and there are a number of unsavory techniques that SSAC believes they may be using to get it.
One of these techniques is simple client software: “Free- and shareware WHOIS client applications, Browser Help Objects (BHOs), extensions, plug-ins and cookies…can be programmed to record WHOIS queries, domain name queries…and relay these over covert connections…to the software developer or affiliated 3rd party of the developer,” according to the SSAC report. Some of these can be considered to be a form of spyware.
An uglier method involves viruses. “Email-delivered worms infect hundreds if not thousands of client computers daily…Trojan software can be programmed to collect URLs, DNS activity or keystrokes.” The SSAC report notes that it’s not just individually-owned computers that suffer from infections, and “inadequately secured DNS, web and other application servers may also be compromised by attackers,” who then install software to monitor DNS, WHOIS and other system and user activities.
Registrars, resellers, and registries can make lists of names that are checked but don’t resolve. They can either use these names themselves or sell them to domain name front runners.
And then there’s one of the classic forms of hacking: social engineering. “An employee may unintentionally or prematurely reveal a service mark, television or movie title, or product slogan his company intends to register as a domain name during a conversation in a public area, and a passer-by might speculatively register the name,” the SSAC report notes.
The SSAC didn’t say that these practices were actually happening; however, the committee believes they present “plausible opportunities” for domain name front runners to discover potentially profitable URLs. Nor are these the only practices they cited.
Part of the problem with deciding what should be done about domain name front running is that there is no hard evidence yet that the practice even exists. Many people claim to have seen it. So far, however, all evidence is anecdotal, and much of that could still be chalked up to coincidence.“It is possible that two or more parties may become interested in a domain name at nearly the same time, especially if that domain name includes a popular instant messaging acronym (e.g., rofl, afaik, tyvm, bbiab, nvm) or suddenly popular phrase (e.g., ‘what were you thinking,’ ‘go ahead make my day’),” the SSAC observed in its report. There are also technical aspects of the system that could lead to the appearance of domain name front running – for example, a domain name may be registered in the late morning on a given day but WHOIS queries in the afternoon may still show it as being available.
To find out whether this practice really does exist, the SSAC is calling for public comment. If you think you’ve had a domain name swiped out from under you by a domain name front runner, let them know about it by sending an email to ssac-dnfr@icann.org. The group will then review the reports and decide where to go from there.
If you do decide to send an email to the SSAC, there is certain information they would like you to include that would help them in their investigation. Here is the list:
- Method used to check domain name availability (e.g., web browser, application).
- Local access ISP.
- Provider or operator of the availability checking service.
- Dates and times when domain name availability checks were performed.
- Copy of the information returned (e.g., WHOIS query response) in the response to the availability check.
- Whether the domain name was reported as previously registered or never before registered in the response returned from the availability check.
- Copy of the information returned (e.g., WHOIS query response) indicating the name had been registered.
- Copy of any correspondence sent to or received from the registrant perceived to be a front runner.
- Correspondence with the registrar or availability checking service.
- Any information indicating a potential relationship between the availability checking service and the registrant that grabbed the name.
It’s a very tall order, but it is important to get all the documentation out in the open to determine whether this practice is actually happening – and if it isn’t, to keep it from turning into “perceived wisdom.” If it is happening, the documentation should assist SSAC and ICANN in deciding what action needs to be taken to ensure that everyone has a fair shot at the domain names they desire.
November 26th, 2007
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July 28th, 2007
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Source: www.articlesfactory.com
Web Hosting Shopping Guide
Web hosting means a web host provides the storage, connectivity, and services necessary to serve files for a web site. Web hosting costs greatly depend on your personal web hosting needs.
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
How to choose a web hosting service (part 1)
Web hosting is not about large space or huge amounts of bandwidth. It is mainly about the quality of the service a web hosting provider extends to its customers.
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
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Choosing an appropriate domain name is very important. First and foremost, when it comes to domain names, try to stay away from the silly, stupid, ridiculous or clever. Keep your domain name simple an…
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
Hosting a Website: What not to do
By the words web hosting, we usually understand putting up all the necessary ingredients of a website into the space provided by a web server for everyone to view it in a composite form. And often it …
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
Why IXWebHosting Reduces its Web Hosting Price
This article will dig into the reason why IXWebHosting increases the price its web hosting plan and change it back in a very short time period. And it’s a good lesson for those web hosting service pro…
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
Advantages of Reseller Hosting v/s Shared Hosting
So now you have a good client base and its growing, its becoming impossible for you to manage your web hosting accounts individually, giving support to your customers is becoming a nightmare, you are …
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
Dont Panic! Follow these Tips when Building your Website
Overwhelmed with the idea of building your website? Dont be. Use these steps as a guide to get you started.
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
Perfect Web Hosting
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Source: www.articlesfactory.com
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July 28th, 2007
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Web hosting is especially useful for personal and small business, and e-commerce sites. It simply involves building your site, setting up an online store and promoting it in the search engines to get …
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
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So now you have a good client base and its growing, its becoming impossible for you to manage your web hosting accounts individually, giving support to your customers is becoming a nightmare, you are …
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
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Source: www.articlesfactory.com
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Source: www.articlesfactory.com
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Source: www.articlesfactory.com
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Choosing an appropriate domain name is very important. First and foremost, when it comes to domain names, try to stay away from the silly, stupid, ridiculous or clever. Keep your domain name simple an…
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
July 28th, 2007
Perfect Web Hosting
One of the greatest concerns for many companies that do business online is web hosting, and the services that web hosting services provide. Trying to find the best deal that is economical and reliable…
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
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This article will analyze 3 key factors that blocks Chinese to purchase web hosting service from US companies. We also give out some example about which US web hosting service providers have make the …
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
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Find out which smart Autoresponder you should use for your Internet business. Learn why this smart Autoresponder is the best option.
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
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After selecting the best from a list of several cheap website hosting companies, a person needs to find out more about them before making the final decision. The final process needs a closer look at t…
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
Advantages of Reseller Hosting v/s Shared Hosting
So now you have a good client base and its growing, its becoming impossible for you to manage your web hosting accounts individually, giving support to your customers is becoming a nightmare, you are …
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
Web hosting Services and Domain names
Choosing an appropriate domain name is very important. First and foremost, when it comes to domain names, try to stay away from the silly, stupid, ridiculous or clever. Keep your domain name simple an…
Source: www.articlesfactory.com
July 28th, 2007
Why IXWebHosting Reduces its Web Hosting Price
This article will dig into the reason why IXWebHosting increases the price its web hosting plan and change it back in a very short time period. And it’s a good lesson for those web hosting service pro…
Web Hosting Shopping Guide
Web hosting means a web host provides the storage, connectivity, and services necessary to serve files for a web site. Web hosting costs greatly depend on your personal web hosting needs.
July 28th, 2007
Although .com, .net and .org are typically the most widespread and talked-about domain name extensions, they are not the only fully-functional ones that are available for use. As more words and phrases in the English language becoming snapped up as .com, .net and .org domains, ccTLDs are becoming increasingly popular.
Simply put, a domain name using a ccTLD has a country code as its suffix instead of the typical .com, .net or .org extension. Each country has its own domain extension; Canada, for example, is .ca, while Japan has been assigned .jp. From a functional perspective, ccTLDs work just as well as any TLD. Therefore, more webmasters are choosing country-specific domains, as better names are typically available than when choosing a domain under the .com, .org or .net extensions.
One common misconception is that ccTLDs can only be assigned to Web sites physically located in the suffix country. This is not necessarily true. While most countries have specific rules surrounding exactly who can register domains using their suffix and for what purpose, regulations in some countries are more stringent than others. While it is true that in certain cases, the registrant must be an individual/company located within the country of the country suffix they wish to register, there are no restrictions whatsoever in others. Micronesia’s .fm domain extension, for example, is available to the general public worldwide; however, Canada’s .ca domains can only be assigned to Canadian companies and individuals.
Because these restrictions can vary, it is important to “look before you leap” when purchasing a ccTLD. Always research any restrictions that may be placed on potential ccTLD purchases; otherwise, you may not be able to buy the domain you want.
Why You Should Consider Purchasing a ccTLD
There are several reasons why purchasing a ccTLD instead of a regular TLD could be advantageous to your Web site:
* Keyword availability: Most of the effective domain names available under the current TLD structure have already been registered. Because of this, most businesses and consumers are being forced to register obscure words and phrases as domain names. ccTLDs, on the other hand, are available to a limited pool of buyers; this significantly increases the chances that the domain name you want is available.
* Regional identification and branding: Although part of the Internet’s allure is its global nature, a ccTLD can provide regional-specific branding that a typical TLD cannot. This is becoming particularly important as companies try to distance themselves from being labeled as “.com” operations. It is also important because “.com” Web sites are typically perceived to be American; therefore, a ccTLD can provide the regional identification that a TLD lacks.
* Reseller advantage: Domain name resellers that offer ccTLDs send a strong message to customers that they are willing to provide a “one stop shop” for domain name services. It also increases the potential for repeat business and revenue.
With the increasingly widespread use of ccTLDs, it is no longer necessary to settle for a mediocre TLD when better ones are available using a different suffix. Therefore, keep all of your options open the next time you shop for a domain name; you may be selling yourself short if you don’t.
June 20th, 2007
.COM: Short for .commercial. Domain names with the .com extension are by far the most popular, and can be purchased by any individual or business. .
.NET: Short for .network, this domain extension was originally designed to be used by technical Web sites. However, domains using this extension can be registered by anyone.
.ORG: Short for .organization. Originally designated for non-profit firms and any other organizations that did not fit under the .com or .net extension, any individual or business may now register a .org domain name.
.AERO: The TLD designated for the air transport industry. Available only to aviation community members, this domain suffix is now live and fully functional. You can find more information on this TLD here: http://www.nic.aero.
.BIZ: The .biz TLD is a designated suffix for businesses. Domains using the .biz extension must be used for business or commercial use. This suffix is fully active. http://www.neulevel.biz has more information on the .biz suffix.
.COOP: This TLD is available to cooperatives, cooperative service organizations and wholly owned subsidiaries of cooperatives. You can find more information on the .coop suffix here: http://www.nic.coop.
.INFO: The first unrestricted top-level domain since .com, .info domains are available to the general public. You can find more information here: http://www.nic.info/gateway.
.MUSEUM: This TLD is available only to museums, museum organizations and individual members of the museum profession. More information on the .museum TLD is available at http://musedoma.museum.
.NAME: Available to the general public, .name email addresses are listed as firstname@lastname.name or lastname@firstname.name, while Web sites are listed as www.firstname.lastname.name. More information on the .name TLD is available here: http://www.nic.name.
.PRO: The .pro suffix was created for certified professionals including lawyers, doctors and accountants. RegistryPro, the organization in charge of administering .pro domains, has initiated steps to set up the new registry, and anticipates taking registrations in late 2002. More information is available at http://www.registrypro.com.
Appraising: The process of evaluating a domain name and determining its market value.
Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transmitted at a given moment to a server. The higher your bandwidth, the larger amount of traffic your site can handle at one time.
CGI: Short for Common Gateway Interface, a small script that processes data taken from the user (such as from a form application).
Cgi-bin: The directory on a Web server where CGI scripts are stored.
Domain servers: This contains the DNS (Domain Name System) information for a domain, and is usually listed in WHOIS records. There are usually two lines of DNS information. The first is typically a site’s primary DNS information, while the second contains secondary/back-up information.
DNS: Short for Domain Name System which is used to translate numeric addresses (known as IP, or Internet Protocol, addresses) into words.
Domain names: The word sequences users enter in their URL bar to visit your site.
Escrow: A third party service that will essentially hold on to the buyer’s payment when selling a domain name, thereby protecting both the buyer and seller.
HTTP: Stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol, the protocol by which HTML files move across the Internet. HTTP requires a client browser and an HTTP server (typically a Web server).
ICANN: Stands for Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, which is a not for profit organization that handles IP address space allocation and most other regulatory tasks associated with domain names.
IP Address: The numeric address behind a domain name that holds a website’s real location on the Web.
Domain Name Parking: All domain names have to be stored on a server in order to be purchased. Most domain registration services will therefore temporarily place a newly purchased name on their servers until a hosting plan is purchased or the owner points the DNS to a different site. This is known as parking.
Propagation: The process where name servers throughout the Internet add new domains and remove expired ones from their records. This can be a lengthy process, which is why connecting to a new domain name can often take three or four days.
Reseller: A company/person that sells domain names through registry services provided by an ICANN approved registrar.
SSL: Short for Secure Sockets Layer, a protocol developed by Netscape to handle and protect confidential/sensitive information required for e-commerce transactions (like credit card numbers). SSL address usually begin with ‘https’.
Subdomain: Typically known as a “domain within a domain”, subdomains are individual Web addresses built upon a pre-existing domain name (such as clientname.yourhostingcompany.com). As a reseller, you will have the option of assigning subdomains to clients if they do not choose to have a domain name.
TLD: Short for Top Level Domain, the suffix to a domain name. TLDs include .com, .net, .org and country codes such as .ca.
WHOIS: A central database which tracks all domain name/IP registrations. Each domain name registrar typically maintains its own version of a WHOIS database.
June 20th, 2007
Although the concept of a domain name may seem simple enough – using a sequence of letters and words to identify a Web address – there is a great deal more going on “behind the scenes”. This is because a domain name does not represent a Web site’s true address; rather, it is a mask that makes a Web site’s true address easier to remember.
Domain names are actually attached to a DNS (Domain Naming System) server, which is used to translate numeric addresses (known as IP, or Internet Protocol, addresses) into words. Each site you visit on the net has a numeric IP address behind its name, which represents the site’s real address on the Internet.
Every domain name must be attached to a DNS server, which is the responsibility of the domain’s owner (most registrars and Web hosts will handle this issue for you). There is no one central registry for DNS information; when a user enters a domain name in to their Web browser, it is up to that URL’s DNS to handle the request. The DNS server then provides the browser with the correct IP, if it exists; otherwise, it returns an error message or redirects the user elsewhere.
After an IP has been determined, the user can interact with the Web server to access specific pages. While this is a specific and complex process in itself, here is a general overview as to how it works:
1. The browser now determines which protocol (the language client machines use to communicate with servers) should be used. Examples of protocols include FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, and HTTP, HyperText Transfer Protocol.
2. The server sends a GET request to the Web server to retrieve the address it has been given. For example, when a user types http://www.example.com/1.jpg, the browser sends a GET 1.jpg command to example.com and waits for a response. The server now responds to the browser’s requests. It verifies that the given address exists, finds the necessary files, runs the appropriate scripts, exchanges cookies if necessary, and returns the results back to the browser. If it cannot locate the file, the server sends an error message to the client.
3. The browser translates the data it has been given in to HTML and displays the results to the user.
This process is repeated until the client browser leaves the site.
When you purchase a domain name, you should be able to edit your DNS information as often as you like. Make sure to retain your login information, as DNS servers tell users where to go; if you need to update your DNS information and you can’t access your control panel, users will never find your Web site.
June 20th, 2007
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