Every website has a name. Where does that name come from? What is a domain name? A domain is simply an address frequently referred to as a URL. These names were created to make Internet Protocol or IP addresses easier to access and remember.
An IP address consists of a string of numbers assigned to every individual computer. Finding a specific website in Windsor is easy when you know the domain name or URL of the site. And thankfully you do not need to know the remember the IP. When you enter the name into a browser, you are taken to the site.
The Difference Between a Website and Domain Name
When a name is registered, you receive a web address, not an actual website. To start an online business, you must choose and register a name. Once your website is built, you need to find a host so visitors can find your site. You can change your website design as your business grows and still keep the same name.
Your domain name comes from the DNS system. This is where names are coordinated, maintained and managed. The ICANN was created in 1998 for this purpose. This helps ensure the infrastructure of the internet runs smoothly. Control over top level domains including .com, .org and .net is delegated by ICANN to registries. These companies are responsible for the management of specific extensions to control and maintain the database.
When you register your web address for your new site, you have to go to a registrar – GoDaddy or NameCheap are examples of registrars. All of the names for the different registrars are stored in the same place. If the name you have chosen is available you can purchase the domain under your name. If the name is unavailable, you will have to continue your search.
Website hosting is also different than your domain.
How are New Names Released?
New extensions (.com or .org for example) are released at different times. There are top level domains like .rocks or .design. or .website now. Eventually, these names will become available on the market. To secure a name, you need to complete a registration process.
This stage offers trademark holders the opportunity to register their names before anyone else. This ensures their brands receive protection earlier. This eliminates concerns regarding remembering to renew numerous different names. Others are also prevented from using any of these names.
The second stage is called the Landrush. This stage enables anyone to bid for the most preferable name for their website design. Depending on the name you want, the process varies. You can apply for the name you want. If more than one person applies for the same name, an auction is necessary. This is common with the more attractive and desirable names.
The final stage is general availability. Names now become available to the general public. You can choose from any names remaining. The first to select the name is the recipient. If the name you requested is available, it can be registered under your name immediately. Although the process varies according to the specific extension, the majority are similar.
Generally you would not see or notice the first two stages. You would just go to the registrar website and purchase a domain.
What Happens if the Name I Want is Gone?
There are steps you can take to help ensure you receive the name you want. Your best options include:
- If there is a specific name you want, reserve the name as quickly as possible once released. This will help you get ahead of the competition.
- Secure your name during the Landrush stage. Even though you might need to pay more, there is a better chance the name will be available.
- If you want a specific name for a Leamington website, there are alternatives if the name you want is taken. Check the secondary name market. This is where names can be purchased and sold by businesses and individuals.
- Purchase premium name. These are names previously registered with trademark rules applicable.
How Do the Domain Names Work?
To understand how domains work, you need to know what a DNS (Domain Name Server) is. If you use the internet, you have used the DNS. This type of server is similar to a phone book. The names are translated into IP addresses so your request can be routed to the server and website you want.
This is similar to calling a phone number to reach the person you want to talk to. People can remember names easily. The DNS is necessary because the basis of the names is IP addresses. Without a naming system, reaching the website you want would be much harder. Once the domain is entered, your browser searches the DNS database for the specific IP address. The result is a direct connection to the website of your choice.
Photo by Domenico Loia on Unsplash
