Webmentor's How To Guides

Webmentor's How To Guides are written in plain english so that ordinary business folk can understand important stuff about their websites.

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What is a TLD?

A TLD or Top Level Domain is the technical term for a domain name ending, such as .com or .ie. There are lots of them and they fall into 2 categories - generic (gTLDs) and country code (ccTLDs). 

What is a Generic gTLD?

Generic gTLDs are pretty much available to anyone to register - think 'general' and you've got the right idea.
  1. A few common examples are .com, .net, .info, .biz, .org
  2. A generic gTLD is easily recognised because it always has 3 or more letters
  3. Available to anyone to register - no rules with the odd exception like .edu
  4. Usually cheap - a .com, .net, .info, .biz and .org all cost around US$10 per year

What is a Country Code ccTLD?

A 'Country Code' or ccTLD is recognised as the domain name ending for a country or region. It is easily recognised because it usually has exactly 2 letters, or 2 groups of 2 letters - eg

  • The ccTLD for Ireland is .ie
  • The ccTLD for UK is .co.uk
  • The ccTLD for Europe is .eu
  • The ccTLD for New Zealand is .nz

Some countries have strict rules governing who can register their ccTLD - Ireland being one of the strictest. The Kingdom of Tuvalu, on the other hand, whose ccTLD is .tv, have made the most of it which is why you can buy it without restrictions. The Ulster Television website is u.tv

ccTLDs are usually more expensive than gTLDs. The .ie domain is very expensive - however bulk resellers can offer you a .ie domain much cheaper than buying direct from the Irish Registrar (www.iedr.ie) and you're perfectly safe to get one from a recognised reseller. You can find the Irish Registrar's approved reseller list here. The Table A list is usually cheaper than the Table B list - but shop around to get the best price, I've seen them for as low as €20 per year.