What is a Domain Name?

A domain is a name that can identify IP addresses on the Web. About 15 IP addresses are represented by the domain name Yahoo.com. Also domain names can identify webpages. For instance in the URL http://www.visitus.com/index.html, the domain name is visitus.com.

A domain name is registered by applying to a domain name registry service for registration. The enterprise of registering and issuing domain names is supervised and controlled by ICANN, an organization responsible for imparting standards and guidelines for certification of companies as domain name registrars.

Registration of domain names has advanced since its inception. The first domain name registrar to offer such services was Network Solutions. That was 10 years back but now there are many certified domain name registrars. Only a domain name registrar is authorized to access and edit the master database domains stored on InterNIC servers. A fee is prescribed by the domain name registrar for obtaining a domain name, and some registrars are able to offer special domain name packages.

Do you actually need a domain name?

You utilize the domain name to identify yourself or your enterprise on the Internet; domain names are also used for brand identities like Wal-Mart, Ebay, etc. While selecting a domain name, make sure that it does not veer away from the purpose of your enterprise. This will enable you to propagate your website as an affiliate of your enterprise and to publish your domain name on business cards and advertisements.

Once you choose a domain name, you must apply for its registration to the domain name registry service. This is a simple job anyway. A total package inclusive of registration and hosting of domain names is available with most ISPs. The fees will perhaps include an installation fee (one-time) for the technical procedures involved. Thereafter a monthly, half-yearly or yearly fee for the website hosting services becomes payable to your provider.

Most domain name registry services have the requisite online tools to help you obtain the domain name, hosting up the website and operating it.