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What is an internet domain? Why is it useful? How do I register a internet domain?
This is a brief and basic discussion of web site domains.
What is an internet domain?
In very simple terms, an internet domain is the name of an internet identity. An example of an internet domain is ebwebwork.com. The internet domain ebwebwork.com comprises the web site ebwebwork.com and various email addresses @ebwebwork.com.
An internet domain is hosted on an internet server. An internet server will have a unique IP address, and can host one or many internet domains.
Why is an internet domain useful?
An internet domain allows web users to access a web site by a common name like yahoo.com or microsoft.com, rather than by the IP address of the internet server that hosts the web site. An internet domain also allows a server administrator to create email addresses such as eric@ebwebwork.com.
How do I register a internet domain?
Before you can use an internet domain, you must register it with a domain name registar.
Internet domain registration is a big business. Many domain name registrars compete to get you to register your domain name with them. Popular registrars include networksolutions.com, dotster.com, and many, many others. Many ISPs offer domain registration service.
Internet domains are often registered by entrepreneurs and resold to high bidders. Some foresightful people have successfully predicted marketable domain names and have made a lot of money by reserving and selling them. This practice of domain squatting is frowned upon and subject increasingly to regulation.
Often, the simplest way to register a domain is to register it with your ISP.
I use the domain registration and management services offered by my ISP, HostMySite.com. Domain management at HostMySite.com is simple and cost effective.
Registrars charge a fee to implement a domain registration. A competitive registration fee is $10 or less for a single year. Usually one can register a domain for many years at a reduced annual price.
When you register an internet domain it becomes your property so long as your registration is valid and kept up to date. You should keep careful records of any internet domains that you have registered. Your registrar will issue login credentials to you, so that you can log in to your account at the registrar and manage your domain names. You should always keep this registrar login information on hand, but secret.
Don't let your domain registration lapse, or you risk losing the domain. Most registrars implement a system to remind you when your domain name registration is close to expiration, and some offer a protection plan to keep the domain in your name for a limited time, even if your registration expires.
This is a very basic discussion of the broad and complex topic of internet domains. If you wish to learn more, I suggest the links below. As always, please contact me if you have questions about registering an internet domain.
I always help my clients to manage their internet domains.
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