Internet Domain Registration

Internet Domain Registration Makes a Name Yours

You may wonder how domain names work and how you get your own web address. When you choose your name, and no one else has it, you go through a simple Internet Domain Registration site such as GoDaddy.com, Register.com or Yahoo! Domains.

Most of us pay an ISP (Internet Service Provider) or telecommunications company so that we can access the Internet, whether it's high-speed broadband or dial-up service. Some of the largest providers of Internet access include Verizon, Comcast, SBC, Earthlink and RoadRunner. In addition to paying for Internet access, these companies often offer Internet domain registration services and free email services. That's why your friend's address is something like janedoe@yahoo.com or bencollins@earthlink.net. You can use these companies' free email service or register your own domain name so people contact you at yourname@yoursitename.com.

After you register your domain name, this name becomes yours exclusively, as if it was a real estate property that you owned title to. You've probably seen the term "URL" when reading about computers. It stands for uniform resource locater and is another term for your unique domain name or web address. Basically, when you complete your Internet domain registration and pay a hosting company for email service, you're all set!

Some of this information may be too technical for you and most of us don't really understand all the acronyms and terminology. If you're interested in learning more about how Internet domain registration and other aspects of computers and the web, there is tons of information online.