What is a domain name?

A domain name is a unique address that can be used on the Internet.

It’s what you see in the address bar after the “www.” in your web browser and it’s what comes after the @ sign in an email address.

Domain names consist of two parts. For example, in ”solvewebdesign.com” the “.com” represents what is known as the top level domain (TLD) and “solvewebdesign” represents the second level domain and is the actual name.

The same name, which can be up to 63 characters long, can be used with different TLDs, such as .com, .org and .net.

There are also country specific Top Level Domains, such as .fr for France and .de
for Germany.

When a domain name is used in a web address, ‘www’ is usually put in front of it to indicate that typing that name into your web browser will take you to a website. Domain name holders can set up a website with that address and also use it for email addresses.

When you are a domain name holder you get to decide what is in front of the @-sign in the email address.

How it works

Each computer connected to the Internet has a unique IP address (IP = Internet Protocol). The IP address consists of four sets of numbers, for example, 195.234.53.199.

To be able to connect to any given computer via the Internet you need to know its IP address, but because numbers are hard to remember domain names are used instead.

The domain name system (DNS) then´translates´the domain name you entered into your browser into the correct IP address. This is done automatically and you as a user need not worry about it. You register your domain name with a registrar.

Tips on choosing your domain name

Before you choose your domain name or name your website, you might want to consider the following points:

Brainstorm 5 Top Keywords
When you first begin your domain name search, it helps to have 5 terms or phrases in mind that best describe the domain you're seeking. Once you have this list, you can start to pair them or add prefixes & suffixes to create good domain ideas. For example, if you're launching a mortgage related domain, you might start with words like "mortage, finance, home equity, interest rate, house payment" then play around until you can find a good match.
Make the Domain Unique
Having your website confused with a popular site already owned by someone else is a recipe for disaster. Thus, I never choose domains that are simply the plural, hyphenated or misspelled version of an already established domain.
Only Choose Dot-Com Available Domains
If you're not concerned with type-in traffic, branding or name recognition, you don't need to worry about this one. However, if you're at all serious about building a successful website over the long-term, you should be worried about all of these elements, and while directing traffic to a .net or .org is fine. Most people who use the web still make the automatic assumption that .com is all that's out there - don't make the mistake of locking out or losing traffic to these folks.
Make it Easy to Type
If a domain name requires considerable attention to type correctly, due to spelling, length or the use of un-memorable words or sounds, you've lost a good portion of your branding and marketing value.
Make it Easy to Remember
You don't want to be the company with the terrific website that no one can ever remember to tell their friends about because they can't remember the domain name.
Keep the Name as Short as Possible
Short names are easy to type and easy to remember (the previous two rules). They also allow for more characters in the URL in the SERPs and a better fit on business cards and other offline media.
Create and Fulfill Expectations
When someone hears about your domain name for the first time, they should be able to instantly and accurately guess at the type of content that might be found there.
Avoid Copyright Infringement
This is a mistake that isn't made too often, but can kill a great domain and a great company when it does. To be sure you're not infringing on anyone's copyright with your site's name, visit copyright.gov and search before you buy.
Set Yourself Apart with a Brand
A "brand" is more than just a combination of words.
Reject Hyphens and Numbers
Both hyphens and numbers make it hard to give your domain name verbally and falls down on being easy to remember or type.

Seach and buy a domain name

Before rushing ahead and buying a domain name. Please note, Solve Web Design can help choose, buy and set-up your domain name for you. We will also monitor your domain name 24/7.

Find out who owns a domain

http://www.domaintools.com/

Domain name set-up