Domain name basics

1. What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is basically a website address.

E.g. www.zeald.com or www.trademe.co.nz

In order for your website to be accessible on the internet, it requires a “domain name” and this is the address that users type into their web browser to find your website.

Please note: while your website is being loaded, it will run on a temporary domain (usually ending in “.zes.zeald.com”). When you are ready go ‘live’  you will need to point or transfer your actual domain name to your website.

What is a domain name Email address?

Your email address is associated with your domain name.  For example support@zeald.com, is an email address which uses the domain name www.zeald.com

What is DNS?

DNS or Domain Name Systems are systems that translate the word-based domain name (or website addresses) of systems into machine-readable IP addresses to make it easier for computers to locate it.  As computers cannot read alphanumeric addresses or domain names, these need to be translated into its numerical IP address in order for computers to be able to read and access it.

DNS’s are like the Internet’s counterpart for a phonebook.  These systems maintain a directory of domain names and translates them into their equivalent IP addresses.

What are Nameservers?

Nameservers are special servers on the Internet that handles queries sent out by your local computer about the location of a domain name’s various services.  They’re an important part of a DNS.

What is CNAME?

A Canonical Name Record (or CNAME) is a type of resource record in the DNS used to specify that a domain name is an alias for another domain, the “canonical” domain.  

E.g. Let’s say you have a server which contains all of your documents online and can be accessed via docs.server.com.  If you also want to make that server accessible through documents.server.com, all you need to do is add a CNAME record that points documents.server.com to docs.server.com.  

What is an MX Record?

A Mail eXchange Record, or MX Record tells email delivery agents where they should deliver the emails you send out. You can have many MX records for a domain, providing a way to have redundancy and ensure that all emails will always reach the recipient.

What is an A Record?

An A Record, or Address record (also known as a host record) links a domain name to its physical IP address of a computer hosting that domain’s services.

What are TLD’s?

TLD’s or Top Level Domains are part of the domain name located right after the “.”. They’re pretty much like the extension that follows your chosen filename. Here are some of the most common TLD’s:

• .com – commonly used for for-profit businesses
• .co – often used as an alternative to .com when a .com domain is already taken.
• .org – short for “organisation. This is commonly used for nonprofit or charitable organisations.
• .net – this is often associated with online businesses, startups, and high technology.
• .me – This is often associated with a blog, resume, or a personal site.

Can emails and domains be hosted in two different places?

Generally, domains and emails must be hosted together, as they are easier to manage if they are in the same place. But yes, it’s possible to have them hosted separately. Take note that Zeald DOES NOT host emails only unless it is very unusual circumstances.

Can I still restore an expired domain in the Zeald Domain Manager?

Yes, you can, but only for a limited amount of time.  .nz  and .com domains remain in redemption grace period for 90 days.  However, once the redemption grace period ends, these domains will be released back into the pool of domains available for registration.

If you would like to register or renew an expired domain name, contact our support team.

NOTE:  If you would like to transfer a recently restored .nz domain name to another domain hosting provider, you will need to wait for 5 days.  For .com domains, on the other hand, you will need to wait for 60 days before you transfer to another domain hosting.

2. What are Subdomains?

A subdomain is a domain that is a part of the larger domain name.
For example, a subdomain of zeald.com would be help.zeald.com or store.zeald.com

Why would I use a subdomain?

Subdomains give you the ability to divide your domain name into different sections or areas.
For example, if you have different departments, you may like to divide the various departments in your company to have subdomains eg sales.abc.com or accounts.abc.com

How do I setup a subdomain?

You will need to seek help from your domain name provider. If your domain is hosted by Zeald, you can add a subdomain by adding a record in the custom DNS settings of the Zeald Domain and Email Manager.

3. Website hosting vs Domain name hosting?

First of all, it is important to understand the difference between Website hosting and Domain name hosting.

• Website hosting  is the hosting of the websites data and information on a server, and this will always be with Zeald as part of Zeald’s monthly service fees, where as

• Domain name hosting is the hosting of just the “website address” eg. nzherald.co.nz and is separate from “website hosting.” Domain name hosting does not have to be with Zeald (many of our clients use external providers such as Freeparking and point to Zeald’s servers). Your email addresses are also associated with your domain name eg. sales@nzherald.co.nz