General Questions About Who.Is
From Wiki.Who.Is
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What does the who.is page do?
Who.is runs a database query system that provides information concerning domains. The search results include the registry status and contact information of the domain nameholder.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is essentially an Internet address. Domain names are translated by the Domain Name System (DNS) into numeric addresses (Internet Protocol (IP) numbers) used by the network. The name itself, eg: name.com, is the point of reference that allows visitors to easily locate the site.
How can I buy a domain?
Query the domain you would like to buy on who.is to see if your desired name is available. If it is, you may register the name through a registrar (such as name.com, domainsite.com, etc). If the domain is already registered, you may use the who.is results to contact the registrant and inquire if the domain is for sale.
What is the difference between a 'registrar' a 'registry' and a 'registrant?
The difference between a registrar, a registry and a registrant is similar to the difference between a wholesaler, a retailer and a consumer. A registry is the central storehouse and controlling body of domain names. There is a registry for each extension or group of extensions. For instance, VeriSign Global Registry is the organization that controls all .COM/.NET domain names, and the .IN registry controls all .in names. A registrar interacts with the registry to complete the reregistration process for the individual or organization who wishes to acquire a domain name. The individual or organization who registers a domain name is called the registrant.
What is an IP address?
An IP address is a unique numeric label used to identify computers in a Domain Name System (DNS) network. For example, the website, www.who.is, is located on a set of computers which are identified by the following IP address: 69.25.212.161. If you were to type this number string into your web browser, you would arrive on our website. The IP address serves as the numeric counterpart for the domain name in cases such as this, and provides information about the function of the particular network. Because IP addresses are typically assigned to internet service providers within region-based blocks, the number can usually tell you the location of a group of computers.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you do not see the answer to your question in the FAQ, please add it to our discussion page and we will respond to it as quickly as possible. Or, feel free to send an email to whois@name.net.
