What is a Domain Name?

by: Jean Pardue

Have you ever wondered if what you know about domain names is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare them with what you already know to the latest info on names for websites.

When the Internet came about it brought with it several changes in the lifestyle of people and to society in general. And today, here comes the “domain name” as part of its system. However, despite the fact that many of the people are using the Internet today for many reasons, the term “domain name” is not that well-understood. Many were using the Internet, joining sites on the web, but it turns out that they are not aware of the nature of the domain name. So, what is it?

In general terms, when we say “domain name”, we are basically referring to a distinct or unique name that recognizes a web address or URL if you will. It is considered to be a portion of the URL or address of a web site. This particular address for a personal or business website has simply two major components and these parts are typically separated by a dot. Example: .com, .net, .US, etc.

 

Examples of domain names   For a concrete view of the nature of a domain name, it is then much better to show an example than to simply write an explanation.   So, one of the common and widely identified domain names on the web is www.google.com.

I am sure you are familiar with Google, so now you know the first part of the domain name which is the www actually stands for the host server, that is the World Wide Web or the location where the site is found. The second part then which is the google identifies the company or the organization name. And finally, the last part which is the .com then mirrors the type of organization. Generally, this is known as the “top-level domain name”.

Speaking of the “top-level domain name”, it is very nice to know that some of the common top-level website names used on the Net comprise the .com, or commercial site, .gov which stands for government agency, .org for an organization, .edu for education institution, and .net for a network.

If your facts about domain names are out-of-date, how will that affect your website actions and decisions? Make certain you don't let important technical information slip by you.

Many domain name experts have agreed one of the best and simple tricks for locating companies and organizations on the Internet is to enter the name with the appropriate top-level domain name. So, if the top-level domain name of a site is .gov or .org, then you should be aware of this fact, in order to find the exact location of the website you are looking for.

So, for example, you want to locate the exact site for Bob Pardue Photography, just enter it with the correct domain name which is www.bobpardue.com, or if you want to go to the Internet site for the FBI, be aware that the domain name for them is www.fbi.gov. An exact and concrete awareness of the domain name is the best key for finding the desired site. Remember this point and you are way ahead of the game!

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of choosing and understanding domain names. Share your new knowledge about websites and hosting with others. They will thank you for it.

 

Jean Pardue is a freelance article writer and can be contacted at speed-writer@hotmail.com . She also writes for her husband, Bob Pardue, who is a stock photographer. http://www.parduephotos.com

 

If you would like to have articles to list on your website or in your publication please contact Jean for availability and usage rate information.

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