Domain Names

• What is a domain name?
  A domain name is the text name corresponding to the numeric IP address of a computer on the Internet. A domain name must be unique.
• Can domain names include spaces e.g. my domain name.co.nz?
  Domain names cannot include spaces. However, you may wish to include a hyphen or underscore to separate words in your domain name. e.g. my-domain.co.nz or my_domain.co.nz
• What characters are not allowed to be used in domains?
  Your domain name may include numbers, letters, hyphens and underscore. Characters such as $, %, #, * are not valid in domain names.
• Are there limits on the number of domains i can register e.g. .nz, .au, .com?
  You may register as many domains as you wish, subject to the domain availability. You may choose to have multiple domain names or variations of the same domain with different extensions.
• Can I transfer my domain name to another domain registrar?
  Yes, you can transfer your domain name to Enlighten Domains at no cost. If your domain is close to its renewal date you may be required to renew the domain at the time of transfer.
• How long is a domain name registration for?
  You can choose to register your domain names for a minimum of one month. The standard registration period is one year, however you can also choose to register domains for longer periods.
• What domain name extensions can I register through Enlighten Domains?
  Enlighten Domains currently offer the following domain name extensions for registration: .co.nz, .net.nz, .org.nz, .geek.nz, school.nz, .maori.nz, .gen.nz, .com, .net, .org, .biz, and .info.
• How will I be billed for my domain name?
  Your domain will be billed prior to the expiration date of the domain. Short term domain registrations, such as monthly domain registrations, are to be paid by direct debit.
  Enlighten Domains contacts all longer term domain registrations three months prior to the domain expiration to ensure domain names are renewed in time.
• Why do I need a domain name?
  A domain name allows you to have a unique email address or website address. These are usually far more memorable than generic addresses supplied by internet service providers and can be more effectively marketed. For example: yourname@your-business-name.co.nz
• Can I see who has registered a domain name?
  Yes, using a WHOIS search you may find the name and contact details of an organization or people who have registered a domain.

Domain Name Server Services

• What does DNS stand for?
  Domain Name Server.
• What is an 'A' record?
  An 'A' record allows you to point your domain name to a specified location to make your website appear in a browser when someone enters your domain name into the address bar.
• What is an MX record?
  The MX record is what controls where email is routed to for your domain name. It is essential to have the MX record correctly designated for you to receive email.
• Can I add additional sub-domains to my domain name?
  Yes, you can create additional sub-domains using the DNS management tools, for example: additional.enlightendomains.co.nz
• Can I manage the A and MX records for my domain name?
  Yes, this can be done through your Customer Profile with Enlighten Domains. You must be logged in as a customer, and using Enlighten Domains' DNS servers.
• Can I point my A and MX record to an alternative provider other than Discount Domains?
  Yes, this is all achievable through the DNS management tool. Therefore, you can use Enlighten Domains purely as a registry for obtaining your domain names whilst hosting your site elsewhere - you do not have to use Enlighten Domains for hosting or email services.
• How long do DNS record changes generally take?
  This depends on the speed caching servers update around the internet. We would allow up to 72 hours for any DNS change to be effective.
• Is there a fee for modifying my DNS?
  No, when you purchase your domain name you have complete access to the A and MX records for your domain name, and you can make changes to these as frequently as wish.
• What happens if I incorrectly modify my DNS records?
  This will invariably prevent your website and/or email services from functioning correctly.
• What is URL Redirection/Cloaking?
  URL redirection is the action of pointing your domain name to another website, or to a folder within an existing website. The target URL may be cloaked (hidden) using the first option, or left visible using the second option, depending on your choice.