Virtual Domains

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What is a virtual domain?
What is a Top-Level-Domain (TLD)?
Does ABHost.Net host virtual domains?
Who is Open SRS and what do they do?
What is the OpenSRS dispute policy?
Does ABHost.Net host foreign domains?
How do I purchase a new domain name from ABHost.Net?
Can I access my domain name with or without the www?
What are the valid characters for a domain name and how long can it be?
How do I check to make sure my desired domain name is not taken?
What are the fees for a new domain name?
How do I set up a new account with a domain name?
Can I have multiple domains point to the same web site?
Can I have multiple SUB-DOMAINS point to different directories in my account?
Can I have multiple DOMAIN NAMES point to different directories in my account?
Does ABHost.Net handle domain name registration?
How long will it take before my new domain name becomes active?
Can I transfer existing domain names to ABHost.Net?
How do I point my existing domain names at ABHost.Net?
Is there a charge to move my domain name?
Does ABHost.Net automatically request my domain name be transferred?
How do I view my domain name record with Open SRS?
Will ABHost.Net be listed on my domain name record once transferred?
Who must approve the transfer of my domain name in order to move my domain to ABHost.Net?
How long will it take to transfer my existing domain name to ABHost.Net?
Can ABHost.Net host my existing foreign domain names?
How do I transfer my current foreign domain name to ABHost.Net?
How do I register a new foreign domain name?
What is the "Primary NameServer" name at ABHost.Net
How do I change the domain name I use on my account and how long will it take?
Can I change from a foreign to a Top-Level domain or visa versa?
Is there a fee for changing the domain name on my account?
Who is responsible for registering/transferring the new domain name on the account?
How do I make a domain name change?
What is a domain name pointer?
How much do domain name pointers cost?
How do I create domain name pointers for my web site?
How long will it take for new domain pointers to be setup on my account?
How do I make changes to a domain name I have registered via ABHost.Net.

1. What is a virtual domain?

A virtual domain is the base URL of the domain name. Examples include yourdomain.com, ABHost.Net or w3.org. Virtual domain names are not just limited to .com, .net, .org, or .edu domain extensions. International domain names are also virtual domain names, such as abc123.co.uk, deutchland.de, etc.

2. What is a Top-Level-Domain (TLD)?

TLD stands for Top Level Domain. This includes any domain names which suffix is .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, .us etc... Therefore, international domain names are not TLD's.

3. Does ABHost.Net host virtual domains?

Yes, this is our core business we offer virtual web hosting to clients in need of affordable and dependable web servers. Pricing for our hosting services can be found here.

4. Who is Open SRS and what do they do?

OpenSRS is a wholesale domain name registration service that uses Open Source principles to ensure equal participation for as many companies and individuals as possible. Sponsored by TUCOWS.com, OpenSRS has been accredited as a domain registrar by ICANN and recognized by the United States Government and Network Solutions. OpenSRS authenticates all transactions between the client and server, as well as between the registrant and the OpenSRS client. The OpenSRS processes currently in place ensures that the verification of identities is in most ways superior to the vast majority of registrant identification and authentication procedures in place today.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the nonprofit corporation that was formed to assume responsibility for the IP address space allocation, protocol parameter assignment, domain name system management, and root server system management functions.

Network Solutions Registry is still responsible for maintaining the "A" Root server and the publication of the relevant zone files. OpenSRS is responsible for maintaining the Whois service for all registrations made through OpenSRS.

Network Solutions, also known as "the InterNIC" is a spin-off from the National Science Foundation. InterNIC is responsible for delegating ownership to virtual domain names with the .com, .net, .org, and .edu extensions.

5. What is the OpenSRS dispute policy?

OpenSRS has adopted the ICANN Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy as found at http://www.icann.org/udrp/udrp-policy-24oct99.htm. further, as an OpenSRS re seller we are bound to enforce the same dispute policy.

6. Does ABHost.Net host foreign domains?

Yes, if you have the foreign domain name registrar point at ABHost.Net DNS at ABHost.Net then any foreign domain name is a potential clients. However, it is important to understand that non-TLD domain names will not be registered by ABHost.Net. You will need to take responsibility for registering or pointing non-TLDs at ABHost.Net.

ABHost.Net DNS in listed order:

Domain Name Server	Host Name	Host Address
Primary NameServer:	DNS1.ABHOST.NET	216.57.206.6
2nd NameServer:	DNS2.ABHOST.NET	216.57.206.5

7. How do I purchase a new domain name from ABHost.Net?

If you do not have an account at ABHost.Net and would like to purchase a domain name do this:

Go here to buy a new domain name.
Choose the TLD(s) (.com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, .us) that you wish to register with your new name(s).
Fill in following forms by giving all of your personal contact information for the domain name. Once you have completed the registration process, it will then take a day or two for the new name to propagate out over the net and at that point your new name will be active.

Having registered your new domain name you will now want to configure your account to accept the name. Please see Question 12 - Step one below for details.

Once you have completed the registration process, it will then take a day or two for the new name to propagate out over the net and at that point your new name will be active.

8. Can I access my domain name with or without the www?

Yes, all clients can access their web site with and without the "www". In other words, you can access your web site at www.yourdomain.com or yourdomain.com, both are the same web site. To administer or modify your domain name go to the web control panel:

Select WWW Configuration'.
Select 'Create a new www server'. Now you can add your domain names from here:
1. In the field 'Server Name' enter your domain name for your account 'www.yourdomain.com'.
2. Next in the field 'Server Alias' enter 'yourdomain.com' (without the www).
3. In the field named 'Document Root' select /public_html. You can use any directory you want in your account as your home directory (Document Root). We suggest that you use the /public_html directory as your 'Document Root' for your main domain name.
4. In the field 'Server Admin Email' you want to add an administrative email address, such as 'admin@yourdomain.com'.

9. What are the valid characters for a domain name and how long can it be?

The only valid characters for a domain name are letters, numbers and the hyphen "-". Other special characters like the underscore "_" or an exclamation mark "!" are NOT permitted.

Example: your name.com (not correct, No spaces allowed)

Example: your-name.com (this is correct, the dash or hyphen is the only irregular character allowed in domain names)

A domain name can be up to 67 characters long -- including the 4 characters used to identify the Top Level Domain (.NET, .COM, .ORG, .BIZ, .INFO, .US). Do not type the www. before your domain name when registering.

10. How do I check to make sure my desired domain name is not taken?

You can not go through the registration process without first passing the availability test. If you request a name that is not available in TLD - .com, .net .info, .biz, .us, or .org you can search for another name until you pick a name that is available.

11. What are the fees for a new domain name?

For domain names registered here at ABHost.Net the fee is $15 US dollars per year. That fee is for a new domain name registered via ABHost.Net with OpenSRS. The fee covers the total cost of servicing your new domain name each year. Every year after you will be charged $15.00 for service of your domain name. These are the only fees incurred in order to register/own a domain name here at ABHost.Net.

12. How do I set up a new account with a domain name?

In order for your account to become active (accessible via a web browser) you need to accomplish the two steps outlined below.

Step one - configure the ABHost.Net server to accept your domain name:

1. Go to the web control panel https://web.abhost.net/cp select 'WWW Configuration'.
2. Select 'Create a new www server'.
3. For 'Server Name' enter your domain name for your account 'www.yourdomain.com'.
4. For 'Server Alias' enter 'yourdomain.com'. (without the www, so your name works both ways)
5. For 'Document Root' you should select /public_html when creating a new account.
6. For 'Server Admin Email' you should put an email address, such as 'admin@yourdomain.com'.
7. Click the 'Update this WWW Server' and you are done configuring the server.

Step two - transfer or register a domain name so that the domain name record is pointing at our Domain Name Server (DNS):

If you have a domain name already-

You now need to update the domain name to point at the ABHost.Net servers. Go to the company where you registered the name and follow the directions that allow you to update your DNS record. Update your domain name record so that your domain name is pointing at ABHost.Net Domain Name Servers.

They are in listed order:

Domain Name Server	Host Name	Host Address
Primary NameServer:	DNS1.ABHOST.NET	216.57.206.6
2nd NameServer:	DNS2.ABHOST.NET	216.57.206.5

If you DO NOT have a domain name follow do this:

Go here to buy a new domain name.
Choose the TLD(s) (.com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, .us) that you wish to register with your new name(s).
Fill in following forms by giving all of your personal contact information for the domain name. Once you have completed the registration process, it will then take a day or two for the new name to propagate out over the net and at that point your new name will be active.

If you already have a registered domain name you need to go to the registrar that you created the name with and update your domain name record so that ABHost.Net is your new DNS. With a whois search you can determine who your registrar is for your domain name.

With a whois search you can determine if your domain name has been transferred or updated to point to ABHost.Net.

13. Can I have multiple domains point to the same web site?

Yes. This service is commonly referred to as "multiple domain name pointing" and allows you to have as many domain names as you wish point to the same web space (your account). Below are examples used by ABHost.Net:

http://abhost.com

http://abhost.net

The two names are pointing at the same site. This should not be confused with having different domains point to different directories or sites within the same account, which is discussed below.

To administer or modify your domain name:
1. Go to the web control panel https://web.abhost.net/cp select 'WWW Configuration'.
2. Select 'Create a new www server'.
3. For 'Server Name' enter your domain name for your account 'www.yourdomain.com'.
4. For 'Server Alias' enter 'yourdomain.com'. (without the www, so your name works both ways)
5. For 'Document Root' you should select /public_html when creating a new account.
6. For 'Server Admin Email' you should put an email address, such as 'admin@yourdomain.com'.
7. Click the 'Update this WWW Server' and you are done configuring the server.

14. Can I have multiple SUB-DOMAINS point to different directories in my account?

Yes and here is our policy regarding sub-domains:

If your organizations domains point to different areas in a site, of a single organization, then you may have as many domains as you like.

You must the be the end user of the web space on our server. You can not sublease space on our servers. You can not collect money from others by attempting to sublease our services from your account on our servers. In other words we ask that you do not attempt to be a virtual host for fee or free within your web space on our servers. If you want to administer multiple web sites (for multiple organizations) on our servers, each must pay $20/month for separate accounts.

About Sub-domains:

The Web Control Panel allow users to manage sub-domain names. We allow sub-domains to point to different directories in your account, as an example - http://search.mydomain.com points at a directory in 'public_html' named 'search'.

Adding Sub-domains:

Go to the Web Control Panel:
1. Go to the web control panel https://web.abhost.net/cp select 'WWW Configuration'.
2. Select 'Create a new www server'.
3. For 'Server Name' enter your sub-domain name 'search.yourdomain.com'.
4. For 'Document Root' select /public_html/search/ (ftp to your account & create the "search" directory).
5. For 'Server Admin Email' you should put an email address, such as 'admin@yourdomain.com'.
6. Click the 'Update this WWW Server' and you are done configuring the server.

The directions you are reading are assuming that you have already created (via - FTP, Telnet or SSH2) a directory for your sub-domain to point at. If you have created a directory it will be listed in the 'Document Root' field waiting for you to point at it.

The sub-domain name becomes active as soon as you click the 'Update this WWW Server'. The system automatically adds your sub-domain name to our server database. Sub-domain names allow your web site admin to set passwords for different departments in your company to update content in separate directories.

15. Can I have multiple DOMAIN NAMES point to different directories in my account?

Yes and here is our policy regarding multiple domains:

If your organizations domains point to different areas in a site, of a single organization, then you may have as many domains as you like.

Adding multiple domain names:

The Web Control Panel allows users to manage domain names. ABHost.Net allows domain names to point to different directories in your account, as an example - http://search-cool-stuff.com points at the directory "search" or http://buy-cool-stuff.com points at the directory "buy". If you need to add this function to your account read the direction below here.

Once you register a domain name via our domain name registrar you will then need to configure the ABHost.Net server for the new domain name. Assuming you would like to have multiple domain names each pointing at different "index.html" then you would do this:

To administer or modify your domain name:
1. Go to the web control panel https://web.abhost.net/cp select 'WWW Configuration'.
2. Select 'Create a new www server'.
3. For 'Server Name' enter your domain name for your account 'www.yourdomain.com'.
4. For 'Server Alias' enter 'yourdomain.com'. (without the www, so your name works both ways)
5. For 'Document Root' select the directory you want the domain name content to come from, example: /public_html/new_dir (FTP the "new_dir" to your account before adding the domain name to the www configuration. The "new_dir" can be anyplace in your account you want.)
6. For 'Server Admin Email' you should put an email address, such as 'admin@yourdomain.com'.
7. Click the 'Update this WWW Server' and you are done configuring the server.

It will take a few days for the changes to propagate out over the internet so that all Domain Name Servers will point to the correct location.

16. Does ABHost.Net handle domain name registration?

Yes, only for Top Level Domains. If you want to register a .com, .net .org, .biz, .info, or .us then yes, ABHost.Net does handle domain name registration. Please go here to register a new domain name or to transfer an already registered domain name to our registration service.

If you have recently renewed a domain name with a different registrar and would like to transfer the name over to our registration service then the fee is $15 and it will add an addtional year to the registration of the name. To transfer the name(s) please go here.

17. How long will it take before my new domain name becomes active?

If you choose to register the domain name through ABHost.Net, then your domain name will likely be registered within 24 hours of completion of your order. The domain name registration information is sent to OpenSRS within a few seconds after your order is paid for. Your domain name will be paid for, registered, and pointing at your web space faster than most other hosting providers can offer.

Both OpenSRS and Network Solutions (and other ICANN Registrars) have the same access to the root NameServer that keep track of Internet domains. If you've successfully registered a domain with OpenSRS, the very instant after you will not be able to register that same domain with Network Solutions or any other ICANN registrar. Your claim has been staked, the record has already been time-stamped to the second on the same root name server in your name.

If you check a Whois server after registering, it may appear that your name did not register. Whois servers are just informational reflections of the root NameServer, it can take several more hours or days for them to catch up with newly registered domains. It's the root NameServer that make the difference in who owns a domain, not whois servers. When you receive the email confirming the registration of your new domain, there are many more steps still to be done behind the scenes. Your domain will be entered into the global WHOIS database, and your registration must travel to all the ISPs in the world. It will be 24-48 hours after you receive the confirmation email before you will be able to see your web space with your new name, with your web browser. In the mean time use your IP number that is posted in your Web Control Panel to access your web space.

18. Can I transfer existing domain names to ABHost.Net?

Yes. ABHost.Net welcomes virtual domain clients whether they are registering a new domain or transferring an existing domain from elsewhere. You must own the domain in order to transfer it. As long as you own your domain, you can transfer it to ABHost.Net.

If you have recently renewed a domain name with a different registrar and would like to transfer the name over to our registration service then the fee is $15 and it will add an additional year to the registration of the name. To transfer the name(s) please go here.

19. How do I point my existing domain names at ABHost.Net?

If your name is registered with a registrar outside of ABHost.Net then you will need to contact the company where the name is currently registered and ask then how to point your name at our domain name servers:

They are in listed order:

Domain Name Server	Host Name	Host Address
Primary NameServer:	DNS1.ABHOST.NET	216.57.206.6
2nd NameServer:	DNS2.ABHOST.NET	216.57.206.5

If you do not know where the name is currently registered then you can do a search here. Type your domain name in the search form do the search. On the lower half of the search results page you will see your domain name click on the link "transfer" that appears next to the currently registered domain name. Then transfer page will show where the name is currently registered and the current contact information for the name.

If your registrar is currently Network Solutions (VeriSign) they will send you email that contains a Tracking Number in the subject of the email. That tracking number will be needed in case there are problems pointing or transferring your domain name to ABHost.Net. If you need to call Network Solutions they can be reached at (703) 742-4777 between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM Eastern Standard Time have your tracking number at hand.

Finally, problems pointing and transferring domain names can happen. ABHost.Net cannot be of much help since we have no authority over the domain names being transferred and no control over other registrars. As the owner of the domain name, only you have the power to ultimately get your domain pointing at or transferred to ABHost.Net, and thus, the ultimate responsibility for doing so rest with you.

20. Is there a charge to move my domain name?

OpenSRS and Network Solutions (the InterNIC) do not charge anything whatsoever to move your domain name to different name servers. The yearly fees you pay for your domain name include the service of transferring your domain name as frequently as you wish.

21. Does ABHost.Net automatically request my domain name be transferred?

Yes a notice is automatically sent to the current domain name registrar once you complete the transfer payment process. The domain name owner will be sent a notice requiring an authorization response. Then some registrars will send a second notice that will need an authorization response as well.

22. How do I view my domain name record with Open SRS?

To view your domain name with OpenSRS go to the management interface at: http://manage.opensrs.net

23. Will ABHost.Net be listed on my domain name record once transferred?

No. Just the Administrative and Technical Contacts on your domain name, are listed in the record.

24. Who must approve the transfer of my domain name in order to move my domain to ABHost.Net?

On your domain name record, there is listed an Administrative and Technical Contact. Both of these contacts may be the same person, but one of them should be yourself if you own the domain name. It is the Administrative and Technical Contacts who will be notified via email from the current registrar. This email will request authorization to move the domain name in question to ABHost.Net.

25. How long will it take to transfer my existing domain name to ABHost.Net?

This depends entirely on the Administrative and Technical Contacts, and specifically, how fast they reply to the email sent from the current registrar, approving the transfer of the domain name in question. This is the only step in transferring a domain name that can cause a hold up. If the Administrative or Technical Contact sends the authorization back to the current registrar immediately, your domain name "should" be transferred within 48 hours.

26. Can ABHost.Net host my existing foreign domain names?

Yes, we can also host existing foreign domains. However, you will be responsible for pointing the foreign domain name at ABHost.Net's domain name servers. You will need to contact your current domain name registrar and modify your domain name to point at our DNS. See number 27 below for additional details.

27. How do I point my current foreign domain name to ABHost.Net?

You will need to establish an account at ABHost.Net. Configre your web control panel to accept your domain name.

Next, you would need to request that your foreign domain name be modified so that it is pointing to ABHost.Net's name servers. You will need to contact the organization that registered your foreign domain name in order for this to be done.

Our Domain Name Servers in listed order:

Domain Name Server	Host Name	Host Address
Primary NameServer:	DNS1.ABHOST.NET	216.57.206.6
2nd NameServer:	DNS2.ABHOST.NET	216.57.206.5

28. How do I register a new foreign domain name?

You will need to register your new foreign domain name with the appropriate organization responsible for your foreign domain name extension. You will also be responsible for any applicable fees associated with registering the domain name.

29. What is the "Primary NameServer" name at ABHost.Net

Below are the domain name servers you should use for all domain names hosted at ABHost.Net. You will need this information in order to register your new domain or point an existing domain name at ABHost.Net.

They are in listed order:

Domain Name Server	Host Name	Host Address
Primary NameServer:	DNS1.ABHOST.NET	216.57.206.6
2nd NameServer:	DNS2.ABHOST.NET	216.57.206.5

30. How do I change the domain name I use on my account and how long will it take?

You may change the domain name on your account (your-domain.com) at anytime. To change your domain name, you will need to buy or own another domain name. Then go to the web control panel "WWW Configuration" module and add the new name. If you wish to discontinue using the original name then delete it from the web control panel "WWW Configuration" module.

31. Can I change from a foreign to a Top-Level Domain or visa versa?

Yes, foreign domain account holders can switch to a Top Level Domain at any time, and visa versa. This of course is only true if the name is not already registered in the level you want to switch to.

32. Is there a fee for changing the domain name on my account?

None, other than the domain name registration fee. Most if not all domain name matters can be handled in the Web Control Panel for your site. We have given you the power to manage your domain names and we do not see the need to charge you for what you manage. It is your site and your domain names, manage them wisely.

33. Who is responsible for registering/transferring the new domain name on the account?

You are responsible for registering/transferring the new domain name for your web hosting account at ABHost.Net. We have made this a very easy to do procedure please go here to do so.

34. How do I make a domain name change?

In step four suggest that you use the /public_html directory as your 'Document Root' for your main domain name. This way you can reserve the "/" directory for private content. In the sixth field 'Server Admin Email' you want to add an administrative email address, such as 'admin@yourdomain.com', your domain name will not function until you add an email address.

35. What is a domain name pointer?

A domain name pointer is a domain name which simply points to your account. In other words, domain name pointers allow you to have as many domain names point to your web site as you wish. Below is an example of domain name pointing we use at ABHost.Net:

          http://www.ABHost.Net
         http://www.ABHost.Com

Both of the names above display the same web site. These are not two different accounts with two copies of the same web site, but instead are two domains pointing to the same web site.

36. How much do domain name pointers cost?

There is no charge for domain name pointers. The only cost is the registration fee of $15.00 for new domain names, per year, per domain name. This applies when you register your names via ABHost.Net through the OpenSRS program.

You can use any Domain name registration service you would like. You will be responsible for registering these new domain names or transferring these new domains so that they point to ABHost.Net's name servers. Keep in mind you will probably pay more and we can not help you with any registration issues that you may encounter with other registration services. It is your responsibility to make sure the domain names which are going to point to your account are registered or transferred with the appropriate organization and all applicable fees are paid.

37. How do I create domain name pointers for my web site?

Please go here to register a new name. Once you have registered a domain name via our domain name registrar you will then need to configure the ABHost.Net server for the new domain name.

After paying the fees your new domain name go to your Web Control Panel:

38. How long will it take for new domain pointers to be setup on my account?

Your domain name pointer will generally be setup within 24 hours after your order is placed. Your domain will be entered into the global WHOIS database, and your registration must travel to all the ISPs in the world. It will be 24-48 hours after you receive the confirmation email before you will be able to use the new name with your web browser.

39. How do I make changes to a domain name I have registered via ABHost.Net.

You can manage your domain name contact info and DNS by going to https://web.abhost.net/cp and select 'Manage Registered Domain Name'. Log into the OpenSRS management interface with the username and password that you selected when creating the domain name. If you have forgotten that information contact support@abhost.net for assistance.

Or you can access the OpenSRS management interface at: http://manage.opensrs.net. Don't forget you'll need your domains username and password to make the desired changes. If you have forgotten them contact support@abhost.net for assistance.