Drizzle Internet NW - FAQ-What's a registrar?

What is a registrar? Why do I need one for my domain name?

A web site is - at its core - a collection of text files and images stored on a server (computer), which allows public access to your web site files. There is an IP address associated with your web site, which tells the public (via the use of various client software also connected to the Internet) where to find your site.

Drizzle's IP address is 216.162.192.3. It's much easier for us to tell people to visit our web site using our domain name (drizzle.com) than using our IP address 216.162.192.3. Various companies called registrars register domain names which are like synonyms for a web site's IP address. All registrars work together to maintain an international registry of domain names. When you transfer your domain from one server to another, the registrars must modify and then update the registry.

At this time, Drizzle Internet uses Go Daddy or Dotster to register domain names unless you specifically ask us to use another company. (We don't officially partner with one registrar over another, but at this point, Dotster happens to combine a reasonable price and excellent customer service.)

A request to register a domain, switch hosting companies, or make changes on your domains records are not instant processes. The registrars have to go through their process, then ISPs have to adopt the changes. In order for ISPs to provide faster domain name service, they cache registry requests locally on their servers. It can take a couple of days for your new IP address to be fully functional worldwide as ISPs update their local cache.