Simply put, a domain name is a description of a computer's "location" on the Internet. It contains a few components, separated by a period ("dot"). Reading a simple domain name
example.com
from left to right (most specific to least specific), the first item (example) is the second-level domain name, and is registered by an organization or entity with InterNIC Registration Services. The last item (com) is a top-level domain name, and describes the purpose of the organization or entity who owns the second-level name. A domain name may include other components between the hostname and the second-level domain name; these are called subdomains. In an e-mail address, the domain name follows the @ symbol, and often consists only of a second-level domain and top-level domain name (example.com)
Advantages of registering a domain name?
If you have an Internet service provider that leases web space (i.e. http://www.your-service-provider.com/~your-account/index.htm), a domain name is not required. However, many organizations find it useful to have an e-mail address or URL that is similar to their company name and will allow the world to indentify them as such.
A domain name allows you to receive e-mail at a customized e-mail address. If your organization's name is Example, Inc., you could register the domain name EXAMPLE.com and your e-mail address could be user_name@example.com with an unlimited number of user_names allowing you to designate e-mail addresses to your employees or by subject matter. Your customers would also be able to access your organization's web site by visiting "www.example.com" with their web browser.
These are just a few of the most common uses for a domain name.
What are the valid characters for a domain name?
The only valid characters for a domain name are letters, numbers and a hyphen "-". Other special characters like the underscore "_" or an exclamation mark "!" are NOT permitted.
A domain name can be up to 63 characters long -- including the 4 characters used to identify the Top Level Domain (.com, .ORG, .EDU, .NET or .GOV).
Domain Name Availability
After you have verified your desired name is available above, Web Hosting Sizzle can register your domain providing it has not been taken before we submit your application. Simply fill out the form below:
DEFINITIONS:
- DNS: The Internet uses a standard naming format known as the Domain Name System.
- COM: DNS Top Level Domain designated to commercial entities (mostly in the United States). This domain would apply to most all business and personal web sites that do not qualify as a government or non-profit type organization!
- ORG: DNS Top Level Domain designated to common or non-profit type organizations.
- EDU: DNS Top Level Domain designated to educational institutions.
- NET: DNS Top Level Domain designated to network providers.
- GOV: DNS Top Level Domain designated to government institutions.
Note: Other non-US networks also have unique domains based on their country of origin. If your type of business or location requires this please contact Web Hosting Sizzle for additional information.
