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What is an internet domain? Why is it useful? How do I register an internet domain?

This is a brief and basic discussion of web site domains.

What is an internet domain?
In very simple terms, an internet domain is the name of an internet identity. An example of an internet domain is ebwebwork.com. The internet domain ebwebwork.com comprises the web site ebwebwork.com and various email addresses @ebwebwork.com.

An internet domain is hosted on an internet server. An internet server will have a unique IP address, and can host one or many internet domains.

Why is an internet domain useful?
An internet domain allows web users to access a web site by a common name like yahoo.com or microsoft.com, rather than by the IP address of the internet server that hosts the web site. An internet domain also allows a server administrator to create email addresses such as eric@ebwebwork.com.

How do I register a internet domain?
Before you can use an internet domain, you must register it with a domain name registrar.

Internet domain registration is a big business. Many domain name registrars compete to get you to register your domain name with them. Popular registrars include networksolutions.com, dotster.com, register.com, and many, many others. Many internet service providers (ISPs) partner with established domain registrars to offer domain registration service.

Internet domains are often registered by entrepreneurs and resold to high bidders. Some foresightful entrepreneurs have successfully predicted marketable domain names and have made a lot of money by reserving and selling them. This practice of domain squatting is morally dubious and subject increasingly to regulation.

Often, the simplest way to register a domain is to register it with your ISP.

I use the domain registration and management services offered by my longtime ISP, HostMySite.com, who partners with the domain registrar Tucows.com. Domain management at HostMySite/Tucows is simple and cost effective. There is a simple yearly fee and no attempt at upselling.

Registrars charge a fee to implement a domain registration. A competitive registration fee is $15 or so for a single year. Usually one has the option to register an internet domain for 1, 2, 5, 10, or 20 years.

When you register an internet domain it becomes your property so long as your registration is valid and kept up to date. You should keep careful records of any internet domains that you have registered. Your registrar will issue login credentials (username and password) to you, so that you can log in to your account at the registrar and manage your domain names. You should always keep this registrar login information on file, and secret.

Don't let your domain registration lapse, or you risk losing your domain name. Most registrars implement a system to remind you when your domain name registration is close to expiration, and some offer a protection plan to keep the domain in your ownership for a limited time even after your registration expires.

This is a very basic discussion of the complex topic of internet domains. If you wish to learn more, I suggest the links below. As always, please contact me if you have questions about registering an internet domain.

I always help my clients to manage their internet domains.

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