Domain Name
A Domain Name is part of a URL and can be typed into a browser to find a particular web site. When a computer connects to the Internet, it uses a unique IP Address. Hence, finding a given computer on the Internet can be done by typing in the IP Address. Because IP Addresses can be difficult to remember, the DNS or Domain Name System was put in place to correlate IP Addresses to domain names.[1]
Short overview
The domain names consist of the rules and procedures of the DNS. Domain names are used in various ways, networking contexts and addressing purposes. Depending on the type of domain one chooses to register, there are various features guaranteed, such as: free email services, transfer and renewals, domain name options, DNS services and other such features. The individual host computers over the Internet use domain names in order to identify the host or hostnames. In this way, the hostnames are considered as a component of URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) for Internet resources like websites. However, the domain names are also used t simply identify labels to determine the ownership or maintain control over the resource.
Types of Domain Names
In order to refer to websites, the Internet uses a DNS. When deciding to purchase a domain name, an important aspect is related to the type of domain type. Even if people are today familiarized with "dot com", there are plenty of other types of domain names extensions as listed below:
- Generic Top-Level Domain Names
These domain name extensions appeared in the 1980's such as:.com,.edu,.net,.org,.int,.name,.biz,.mobi,.tel,.pro,.museum, etc. Anyone can register a domain name under this extension but these domains have restricted use.
- Country Code Top-Level Domain Names
At country level, there are generic top-level extensions but based on a specific code depending on the country, such as: France -.fr, Romania-.ro, United Kingdom-.uk, etc. According to ICANN the country code managers are the ones responsible with the administration of these specific country codes.
- Sponsored Domain Names
There are cases when top-level domain names may received sponsorship from institutions and various organizations. The difference between generic top-level domain names and sponsored domain names consists of a charter that defines the domain purpose such as: .gov (US government), .edu(US educational organizations),etc. [2]
Domain Name Spelling
Generally, the domain name spelling is organized from right to left, the specific descriptions in the left part of the domain name while general descriptors in the right part. The machine name (WWW) is positioned far left. Dots are being used in order to separate the domain levels.
Domain Name vs. URL
The domain name should not be considered the equivalent of URL. The domain name is only a component of the URL, while the URL provides more information related to the address, protocol language and other such issues. [3]