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Domain Name FAQ
All DiscoverET.org hosted websites have a web address (URL) like:
http://www.discoveret.org/cleanair but your website can
also be accessible via your own domain name.
For example, an organization can have a DiscoverET.org hosted website such as
http://www.discoveret.org/cleanair
AND have the domain name CleanAirForEastTN.org too. Anyone browsing
to CleanAirForEastTN.org can be automatically and transparently
redirected to the files hosted at DiscoverET.org
Below you will find answers to the most common questions asked about Domain Names at DiscoverET.org.
Select from the following topics to jump to a specific area of interest.
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We have a DiscoverET.org-hosted Website. Can we get our own domain name and use it with our DiscoverET.org account?
Yes! If you want your own domain name, but don't already have one, you can use one of any number of registration services available on the Web. We do not endorse any particular service. Costs for domain name registration have dropped dramatically in recent years to as low as $10-$25 per year.
An example of an organization with their own domain name is Graveston Baptist Church. Their website is hosted exclusively by DiscoverET.org and the webpages can be accessed by either
www.korrnet.org/gravestn or
www.graveston.org
Some domain name providers charge for this forwarding service. You should confirm availability and cost for "domain forwarding" before you sign up with a particular domain name registration service. This is the simplest and most direct way to use your own domain name and still maintain your DiscoverET.org website.
For additional suggestions read the answer to:
We have a DiscoverET.org-hosted Website and have secured a domain name but don't have them working together yet. What should we do?
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We don't yet have a Website. Can we use our organization's own domain name AND have our website files hosted by DiscoverET.org?
Yes! Sign up for a DiscoverET.org Hosted or HostedPLUS Membership and review the answer to the next question which explains "Domain Forwarding". DiscoverET.org's main page for website Memberships is:
http://www.discoveret.org/hosting
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We have a DiscoverET.org-hosted Website and have secured a domain name but don't have them working together yet. What should we do?
If you already have a domain name with a commercial service, there are usually 4 choices you could consider.
- First ask if your domain services provider offers "Domain Forwarding" and what the yearly fee is (if any). When this is the best solution, you can make the change via their website's account pages, or by phone with their Technical Support staff. The only thing to know is... where traffic should be forwarded to.
The answer is: http://www.discoveret.org/abcdefg (where you replace abcdefg with your DiscoverET.org userID).
- If the provider charges for "Domain Forwarding", ask if they provide "A-Record" changes for free. If so, you'll need to know DiscoverET.org's IP address. It is: 160.36.18.21
- A third alternative is to establish a single web page on their server and redirect the traffic to your "real" site on DiscoverET.org from that web page. This service is often free or just a few dollars a month.
- Lastly, if your domain provider's forwarding services are too costly (for example $35 per year or more) you might be better off "Transferring your Domain" to a new service. But, be aware that the Transfer of a domain is often "Blocked" - often within a new domain's first 60 days and within 60 days of the domain's expiration.
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What if I decide to host my website at a non-DiscoverET.org web host?
Some organizations do decide to establish their website on a commercial server instead of on DiscoverET.org.
Some commercial Web-hosting services are free or heavily discounted, but beware of advertisements and pop-up ads that your site visitors may be subjected to. Many Web hosting services also offer domain name registration. If you decide to go this route, your organization can still maintain a high profile on DiscoverET.org's website and can retain certain benefits by becoming an
Affiliate or AffiliatePLUS member of DiscoverET.org
See also: How do I get a link in the DiscoverET.org East Tennessee Community Directory for my website that is hosted on another server?
Show your connection with East Tennessee's community network by providing a link on your home page or links page back to DiscoverET.org - see How do I put a link to DiscoverET.org on our website? for more info.
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How do we know if a particular domain name is available?
You can visit one of any number of services on the Internet that provide domain-name lookup and registration services, such as Whois.net, GKG.net, and GoDaddy.com. These are only examples and are not necessarily endorsed by DiscoverET.org.
Next, type in the name you want. These services can tell you if the name is available and with what extensions (e.g. .org, .net, .com, etc.). Sometimes they will give you alternatives if the name you want is already taken.
Finally, use one of the services to secure your domain name. This requires a credit card.
Be aware that names are secured for a given number of years. Also, be sure to shop around -- and make sure that you know how much the domain registrar charges for domain name forwarding before you register your domain name with that service.
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My problem isn't answered here - how do I get help?
Please send an email to contact@discoverET.org
or use our online Contact Form.
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