This guide provides an overview of the Domain hosting package, what it is, what we provide with it, and what it supports.
What is a Domain name?
A domain name allows you to have your own identity on the Internet. You can choose any name that is available of the form domainname.com, domainname.net, domainname.org, domainname.co.uk, domainname.org.uk plus several other variations. Once secured the domain name can be used as a Web site address and can be used in your e-mail addresses (e.g. someone@domainname.com)
What packages can I get?
- Domain Parking*. This has no functionality at all, but allows you to Park the domain – ie to reserve it for later use, and prevent anyone else from registering it.
- Domain Name*. This is the package that most people will need. It gives you full DNS control, so you can use it in conjunction with a Web hosting package for your Web site.
* These packages were formally known as Domain Only and Domain with DNS, respectively.
What do I get with each package?
The following table provides a breakdown of the features included with the two different domain packages:
| Feature | Domain Parking
| Domain Name |
|---|
| Domain Parked. (Reserves the domain to you) | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Full DNS Control (Allows you to point the domain to a hosting package) | No | Yes |
|---|
| E-mail anti-virus filtering for forwarded e-mail | No | Yes |
|---|
| E-mail mailbox | No | No** |
|---|
| Web space | No | No** |
|---|
As shown in the above table, the Domain Parking option ONLY reserves the domain for future use - there is no functionality whatsoever apart from this.
When a domain name has been registered using the Domain Name option you are given full authoritative control. Please be aware that this package does not offer Web space or E-mail services. To use Web or Mail services with your domain name you may purchase a hosting package through Zen or a similar third party provider.
If you require your DNS records changing, please e-mail in a request. Any changes required should be e-mailed to dnssupport@zen.co.uk. Changes will be processed as quickly as possible.
** Purchase a cPanel hosting package in addition to gain these features.
How do I use the domain name for my Web site and e-mail addresses?
You will need to opt for the Domain Name option. You will also need to purchase an additional hosting package to provide you with the Web space and POP3 mail boxes for your Web site and e-mail respectively.
For most users we would recommend a cPanel hosting package is purchased. These packages provide Web space and a number of mail boxes, which can be used with your domain name. Full details of the hosting packages available to attach to your domain name can be found at http://www.zen.co.uk/hosting.