|
Beginners Guide to Domain Names
What is a domain name?
A domain name is used to identify the location of a website on the Internet.
Here are some domain names you might be already familiar with:
webpageplus.com - WebPage+ Internet
Design, Inc.
microsoft.com - Microsoft
siu.edu - Southern Illinois University
What is an IP address?
Every computer on the Internet has a numeric address called IP-Address that is
used to identify the location of the computer. An example of an IP address is 63.249.181.70. This kind of addressing system is cumbersome and hard to remember
for humans. Having a domain name will eliminate the need to remember an IP
address.
What are the components of a domain name?
A domain name consists of two or more words separated by a period. The last word
(the far right) is called a "top-level domain". Here are some common
top-level domains and their use:
.COM
Used for commercial entities. It is the most popular top-level domain. Anyone
can register a .com domain.
.NET
Originally used for networking organizations such as Internet Service
Providers and backbone providers. Today, anyone can register a .net domain.
.ORG
Designed for miscellaneous organizations, including non-profit groups. Today,
anyone can register a .org domain.
.EDU
Four-year, accredited colleges and universities.
Country Codes
Other top-level domains include those for countries (.CA for Canada, .UK for
the United Kingdom, .HK for Hong Kong, etc.), which are based on the
International Standards Organization's 3166 standard for country
abbreviations.
To the left of the top-level domain is what is called the "second-level
domain." In netnation.com, "netnation" represents a second-level
domain within the top-level domain of .com.
It is also possible to have a domain name in the form of
something. netnation.com. In this case the "something" is called a
"host" name or a "sub-domain". It is not necessary to
register a host or sub-domain with a registry before being able to use it.
How long can a domain name be and what are the
restrictions?
A domain can have a maximum of 67 characters including the extensions (.com,
.net, org, etc). A domain name can contain numbers, letters or a dashes. A
domain can not start or end with a dash.
What is a DNS?
DNS stands for "Domain Name Server". It translates domain names into
IP addresses that computers understand. For example, if someone wants to access
NetNation's website (www.netnation.com), the DNS will translate the domain into
the IP address 204.174.223.32, which will allow the computer to locate
NetNation's web server.
What is a registry?
Organizations similar to InterNIC are called Registries. They register domain
names into central computers which are accessed by individual DNS servers.
InterNIC is responsible for the domains .com, .net, .org, .edu and .gov. Other
common registries include Nominet for .uk, and CaNet for .ca. Some registries
like InterNIC process new domain name registrations through accredited
registrars. WebPagePlus.com sends all new domain name registration requests to
DomainPeople, Inc. an ICANN accredited registrar. DomainPeople currently charges
$70 for 2 years.
What is a URL?
It stands for Universal Resource Locator. Some people refer to it as a web
address (although URL is not limited to the web). An example of a URL is http://www.netnation.com.
Please note that a URL is a unique identifier. No two websites can have the same
URL. This is the reason why you should register your domain name before someone
else does.
What if the name I want to use is already taken?
You can choose an alternative domain name, or if you feel that you a right to
that domain name you could follow WebPage+ Internet Design's domain dispute policy
and try to regain your domain name.
How long does it take to register a domain name?
If the information provided is correct, it should take less than 24 hrs. Please
check, or allow us to check, the whois database to see whether your domain
name is registered or not.
Once a domain is registered, who "owns" the
domain name?
The domain name is owned by the organization that is on the whois database. WebPage+
registers domain names in such a way to make it easy for customers to
move domain names to their favorite web hosting or ISP company in the future.
| 
