What is a domain name and how do I choose a good one?

Your domain name is your identity on the Internet. Your visitors can reach your site by typing your domain name in the address bar of their web browser.

A domain name consists of a series of alphanumeric characters and an extension (also called a TLD, for "Top Level Domain").

Here are a few examples of domain names:

• votresiteweb.com
• ma-compagnie.net
• mesloisirs123.net

You are free to choose the domain name that suits you best, provided it has not already been registered by someone else.

Here are a few pointers for choosing a good domain name:

1. Choose a domain name that is preferably short and easy to remember (note, however, that most .com domain names of fewer than 6 characters have already been registered!)
2. Use a domain name that reflects the content of your website.
3. If it is a corporate site, use the company's name, if possible.
4. Use keywords in your domain name to improve your presence in search engines.

As for the domain name's extension, you can choose between (partial list):

• .com: open to the general public, the most popular extension on the Internet.
• .net: open to the general public, initially used for computing companies. Nowadays this extension is used almost everywhere.
• .org: open to the general public, initially used for groups or organisations, but this extension is now used almost everywhere.
• .biz: open to the general public, used mostly by businesses.
• .ca: stricter registration criteria and somewhat higher costs; this extension is generally reserved for Canadians or Canadian businesses.
• .info: open to the general public, generally used for informational sites.
• .me: a new extension available since 2008, for personal sites.
• .mobi: sites aimed at users of mobile devices
• .eu: reserved for those residing or having a registered office in Europe.
• .fr: extension reserved for French residents or businesses.

Note that buying a domain name gives you no legal right, and that it may be wise to register a trademark to protect your domain and limit potential trouble, especially if the name in question matters to you.

A domain name registration is valid for a minimum period of one year. After your domain expires, it is no longer reachable through the Internet and, after a period of 60 to 180 days, could become available again for registration by other people. We suggest renewing your domains well in advance so as not to lose them!