Glossary of common terms

A record: A DNS record that points a domain or subdomain to a server’s IP address, for example your website.

Auth code / EPP code: A password for your domain, needed to transfer it from one provider to another.

BOCRA: Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority, the registry that manages all .bw domains.

cPanel: The control panel included with our web hosting. Use it to manage files, email, databases and more.

CNAME record: A DNS record that makes one name an alias of another, for example www pointing to your main domain.

DNS: Domain Name System, the internet’s address book. It turns names like yourcompany.co.bw into server addresses.

IMAP: An email protocol that keeps your mail on the server and syncs it across all your devices.

MX record: A DNS record that says which server receives email for your domain.

Nameservers: The servers that hold your domain’s DNS records. Changing them hands control of your DNS to another provider.

POP3: An email protocol that downloads mail to one device and usually removes it from the server.

Propagation: The time (up to 24 hours) a new domain or a DNS change takes to be seen everywhere on the internet.

Registrar lock: A setting that stops your domain being transferred without your permission.

SMTP: The protocol used to send email.

SSL certificate: Encrypts the connection between a visitor and your website, and shows the padlock and https://.

TXT record: A DNS record that holds text, used for SPF, DKIM, DMARC and domain verification.

Webmail: Reading and sending your email in a web browser, without installing an app.