When does a domain become available? When the current owner forgets to renew the domain's registration. While some services give existing owners a short grace period after the domain officially expires, many do not. And, once the transfer is complete, your domain name may be gone forever. No email; no web site. If you can get your domain back, you can restore your web site and email service. If not, you will find yourself scrambling for a new domain, reconfiguring your web site and email service, and reprinting your letterhead and business cards.

Preventing domain loss is easy. Stay on top of your domain renewals. We recommend that you take the following actions:

• Consolidating all of your domains under a single registry service
• Keep the username/password for your account in a safe place (you may only login once every few years)
• If possible, renew the registration of your domains so that they co-terminate at roughly the same time
• In your calendar or task list, set an appointment or task for the renewal date and include a reminder with at least two week's notice
• When the reminder triggers, act

With a little bit of diligence, you can keep your identity and your sanity.

• Encryption and security (SSL) certificates
• Application software support and maintenance contracts
• Virus definitions and anti-virus software updates
• Spy ware protection
• Backup software maintenance and support
• Offsite data backup and archive services
• Hardware maintenance and support agreements
• Telephone system service contracts

Again, with a little bit of diligence, you can keep your identity and your sanity.

If you have about 4 ½ minutes, check out Chris Bliss and one of the best choreographed juggling performances ever.

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