What
is a domain name?
How does a domain name work?
Who has domain names?
A quick reference list of major domain extensions.
Why register now?
What
is a domain name?
A domain name is the alias that identifies a certain organizations' presence
on the Internet. For example the World Health Organization uses the Internet
address http://www.who.int. The choice, which you make on your personal
or business domain name can result in a big impact on the image of your
company can also directly reflect on the success of your activities on
the net. Currently there aren't any particular rules regulating the registration
and usage of domain names. In that aspect, thats good, since it grants
people the opportunity to freely choose the most appropriate name for
themselves. On the other hand, that means that the name you would like
to register is probably already taken by someone else. If you don't manage
to register your desired domain name, your domain of chose might elude
you for quite a long time, possibly even forever. Its a fairly safe bet
to take steps right now in insuring your future presence on the net by
protecting your desired domain name.
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How
does a domain name work?
The Domain Name System, aka DNS converts the letters in a domain name
into unique numbers, which are used to communicate with (for example)
an organizations system on the world wide web. On the other hand, its
not obliged that users need to understand the numbers themselves, since
they only need to use the domain names.
Theoretically,
any company would like to be identified by one or more appropriate domain
names, which like to its own company name. Except that, the company
will probably want to have e-mails and website addresses, which are
important for its clients.
As an example
- People can have an e-mail address me@mycompany.com or a website www.mycompany.com.
A users main goal should be having a suitable, functional and relevant
domain name, to suit his/her needs and the needs of the visitors or
even clients of the site.
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Who
has domain names?
Nearly everyone, and anyone who wants it can have one. Unfortunately,
some domain names are already taken.
For example, most countries "own" domain names -
.de = Germany
.uk = United Kingdom
.us = USA
except
that, most governments also "own" domain names -
gov.de
gov.uk
gov.us
On the
other hand, most companies also own domain names -
nokia.de
nokia.co.uk
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A
quick reference list of major domain extensions.
.com - international domain name.
The classic
domain name. Not many .com domains are available, but they're still
the most wanted.
.net -
international domain name
When the
.net domain was added, only Internet companies used it, but nowadays
everyone can own a .net domain name. It's the most sought after name,
second only to .com domains.
.info -
recently added as an international domain name.
Added not
long ago as a new international domain name. Most domain names ending
with .info are still available, so be sure to register one while you
still can.
.org -
another international domain name
Most .org
domain names are usually used by non-profit organizations, mainly charity
sites or even internet-based organizations, but there are no real restrictions
on how you should use your personal .org domain name.
eu.com
- an alternative European domain name
An alternative
European domain name. It's a sub-domain of eu.com, and since there is
currently no appropriate .eu domain name, this is currently the best
option.
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Why
register now?
Once registered with a suitable domain name on the world wide web, you'll
receive a unique identity for yourself, or the company/brand you represent.
Once you register a certain domain name, no other user can use your personal
web-based home address. Since many companies share similar names, its
very important to register a relevant domain name for your own personal
or business needs as soon as possible. Currently, the most popular domain
names on the Internet today are the .com domains. On principle, to own
a domain name, regardless of its similarity to any trademark, is free
for everyone. Unfortunately, in fact, most corporations try protecting
their brands and products and give a hard time to users going for such
domain names.
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