A domain name is the text portion of a web address, combined with the extension. For example, in the web address http://www.ehow.com, the domain name is “ehow.com.” Users must purchase and register a domain name, as well as maintain the registration, to have the rights to host a website or email server with a domain using that web address.
Registration Process
Once you register the domain name, it does not belong you forever. Domain name registration is temporary, so you must renew the name periodically in order to retain the right to use it. If the registration runs out, any website or email addresses associated with that domain name will stop working, because the traffic will no longer point to the hosting server.
Website Hosting
When registering a domain name, you (or your webmaster) will associate it with the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the server hosting the website. When the domain name is linked to the website, Internet users will be directed to that website when they enter the domain name in their web browser.
Domain Registry Resales
What happens when someone else has already bought the best domain name? In this case, it is sometimes possible to purchase the domain name registry rights from the current owner. Look up the name of the owner, using WHOIS search at Network Solutions, and make contact. The owner of an unused domain may be willing to sell. In fact, according to cnet reviews, there is an entire industry that revolves around purchasing the rights to domain names, in hopes that someone will eventually pay for the transfer of registration rights.
Domain Registry Rights
The right to register a domain is based on the rule of first-come-first-served. Anyone can purchase the rights to an unregistered domain, even if it would logically be associated with another person or business. Also, no limit is set on the number of domains that a single person or business entity can own. Domain registry rights end only when the domain owner stops paying for the registration.
Registry Information
The WHOIS registry maintains current contact information for all domain name registrants. The information that is included in this database includes the name and phone number of the person that registered the domain name, the IP address where the website is hosted and the date that the registration will expire.