WHAT EXACTLY IS A DOMAIN NAME?

A Domain Name is basically the unique name that identifies an Web site. For example, the domain name of this web site is uploadyourbusiness.com. Domain names use the Domain Name System to link to web site content. For example, the text you are reading now is actually located on a computer with an address similar to 88.32.123.56. All web sites have the same numeric addresses.

For example if you type http://64.233.167.99/ in your web browser address bar and hit enter, you will be directed to Google's web site. Go on, give it a try. Enter the address as shown below in your browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Opera or FireFox browsers will all work):

You should see that this address gives the same result as typing http://www.google.com in the address bar. However, imagine how difficult it would be to actually find any sites on the web with these addresses!! That's what when you get your web site built and buy a domain name to use. A method called 'Domain Name System' is used to link you user friendly web site name to the actual numerical address.

WHAT IS THE DOMAIN NAME SYSTEM?

The Domain Name System (DNS) helps users to find their way around the Internet. Every computer on the Internet has a unique address – just like a telephone number – which is a rather complicated string of numbers. It is called its "IP address" (IP stands for "Internet Protocol").

But it is hard to remember everyone's IP address. The DNS makes it easier by allowing a familiar string of letters (the "domain name") to be used instead of the arcane IP address. So instead of typing 192.0.34.65, you can type www.icann.org. It is a "mnemonic" device that makes addresses easier to remember.

Translating the name into the IP address is called "resolving the domain name." The goal of the DNS is for any Internet user any place in the world to reach a specific website IP address by entering its domain name. Domain names are also used for reaching e-mail addresses and for other Internet applications.