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A domain name is a Web address. The domain name is mapped to an IP address (which represents a physical point on the Internet). Thus a domain name locates an organization or other entity on the Internet. When someone types a domain name into a Web browser, the requested Web page will open. For example, the domain name www.yourdomain.com locates an Internet address for "yourdomain.com." A domain name consists of a top-level and a second-level domain. The "com" part of the domain name generally reflects the type or purpose of the organization or entity and is called the top-level domain (TLD) name. The part of the domain name located to the left of the dot (" . ") — "yourdomain" in this case — is called the second-level domain (SLD) name. The second-level domain name — being the "readable" part of the address — refers to the organization or entity behind the Internet address. Second-level domain names must be unique on the Internet and registered with an Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers- (ICANN-)accredited registrar.

What is a top-level domain (TLD)?

A top-level domain is the part of the domain name located to the right of the dot (" . "). The most common TLDs are .com, .net and .org. Several new top-level domains have been added to the menu recently, including, .biz, .info, .name, and .ws. The top-level domains have certain guidelines attached, but are for the most part available to any registrant, anywhere in the world. Exceptions are the restricted TLDs (rTLDs) — which include .aero, .biz, .edu, .mil, .museum, .name, and .pro — that require the registrant to represent a certain type of entity, or to belong to a certain community. The .name TLD is available strictly for individuals, while .edu is reserved for educational entities, such as universities or high schools. Where appropriate, a top-level domain name can be of geographic significance and hence only available to registrants in the locale defined by the TLD. These are called country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) and include such top-level domains as .bz (Belize),.ca (Canada), .dk (Denmark), .ec (Ecuador), ie (Republic of Ireland), .uk (United Kingdom), .us (United States), and .zw (Zimbabwe). Click here to search and register domain names.

What do .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, .ws, and .us represent?

.com — ("commercial") The most common extension for domain names. Often represents companies or for-profit organizations. Most personal Web sites also use this extension. .net — Generally represents Internet Service Providers (ISPs). .org — Usually represents non-profit organizations or groups. .biz — ("business") Reserved for use by businesses. .info — Made for both businesses and individuals. Usage is unrestricted, but a .info TLD indicates that the Web site primarily is informative. .ws — (Web site) An all-around, universally available top-level domain. .us — Country-code top-level domain available for registrants in the United States.

Hosting a Domain

What does it mean to host a domain?
Hosting (also known as Web site hosting and Web hosting) is the business of housing, serving, and maintaining files for one or more Web sites.

Talk About Domains

If you would like to talk about domains or learn more visit this Domain Name Forum. Domain forums are great places to talk, discuss, and even sell or trade domain names with other domain name enthusiasts.Get the latest buzz on what's happening in the domain world by participating in active domain name forums.