In simplest terms, a domain name is a user-friendly name that represents a “place” on the Internet.  That place can be a web page, a computer, a device, or a whole network of computers and devices.

More specifically, domain names map to mostly numeric addresses called IP addresses that are assigned to devices on the Internet. An IP Address is kind of like a street address (1600 Pennsylvania Avenue), a domain name is like saying “the White House”.  They both take you to the same place.
There are two benefits to this:

1. It’s easier to remember a good domain name.
2. If you change the mapping, you can change what the domain name represents. (For example, you can move a website to a new computer and keep the same name)

Is a domain name a webpage?

No. A domain name is not necessarily a webpage. A domain name can be pointed to a webpage, but a webpage is its own entity. After securing a domain name, one must set up a webpage, host it on a server, and assign the domain name to that webpage. Net Flint makes this process very easy.

Why are there dots in a domain name?

Domain names are hierarchical with each level separated by a “.” (dot). For example, each has a Top Level Domain (TLD) listed on the far right like .COM, .ORG, or .NET and a Second Level Domain (SLD) to the left of that like Google, Yahoo, or NetFlint.

The registered user of a second level domain can have any number of sub domains under that secondary domain. Once again, a subdomain is to the left of the secondary domain and separated by a dot. For example, the registered owner of the domain netflint.com can point www.netflint.com to a web server, ftp.netflint.com to a file transfer protocol server, and mail.netflint.com to an email server.

How do you become the registered owner of a domain name?

To become the exclusive user of a Second Level Domain name, you must register the name with a registrar and pay an annual fee. Names are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis so it is important to secure your desired name as soon as possible. The fees are determined by individual registrars with prices varying wildly from registrar to registrar. NetFlint has made arrangements to allow people to register domain names at some of the lowest prices available.

What does this mean to me?

Today, domain names are most often associated with webpages. Webpages have become the single most important method of providing information about your organization, product, or idea. If you are selling something or have something to say, it is essential to have a webpage and it is important to have a domain name that is easy to remember, easy to spell, and easy to associate with your organization, product, or idea.

Domain Name Registrars

NetFlint has some of the best deals for domain name registration and hosting available, but feel free to check out other registrars’ prices and services. Here are some popular choices:

• NetFlint Website Services
  
• Network Solutions
• Dotster.com
• Yahoo!
• GoDaddy.com

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