A domain name is an identification string that defines a realm of administrative autonomy, authority, or control on the internet. Domain names are formed by the rules and procedures of the Domain Name System(DNS). Technically, any name registered in the DNS is a domain name. Sometimes, the term Administrative Management Domain(ADMD) is used to refer to the realm of administrative autonomy. The term Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) denotes a domain name with no omitted parts.

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Domain names are used in various networking contexts and application-specific naming and addressing purposes. In general, a domain name represents an Internet Protocol(IP) resource, such as a personal computer used to access the internet, a server computer hosting a website, or the website itself or any other service communicated via the internet.

Domain names are organized in subordinate levels(subdomains) of the DNS root domain, which is nameless. The first- level set of domain names are the top-level domains (TLDs), including the generic top-level domains (gTLDs), such as the prominent domains com, info, net and org, and the country code top-level domains(ccTLDs). Below these top-level domains in the DNS hierarchy are the second – level and third level domain names that are typically open for reservation by end users who wish to connect local area networks to the internet, create other publicly accessible Internet resources or run websites. The registration of the domain names is usually administered by domain name registrars who sell their services to the public. Although labels in the domain name system are case-insensitive, domain names are usually written in lowercase. Domain names serve as humanly memorable names for internet participants, like computers, networks, and services. A domain name represents an Internet Protocol(IP) resource. Individual Internet host computers use domain names as host identifiers or hostnames. Host names are the leaf labels in the domain name system usually further subordinate domain namespace. Hostnames appear as a component in Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) for Internet resources such as websites(e.g Wikipedia).

The most important part of creating your own website is choosing a domain name. It says a lot about your website it should be like an attractive name that others will easily remember. The name gives an idea to users what your website is actually about or what it offers before they even start navigating to the website. For example, Google and Yahoo have become world known names that others are familiar with before going to the website.

Policies in Domain Name Transfers: if you are unhappy with a registration company and decide to switch for any reason, you’ll want to take your domain name with you. Some registrars make it nearly impossible to transfer your domain name unless stated so in their policy.

Domain Name Extensions: Domain name extension could be a breaking point in deciding what domain name you would like to register. Many prefer the most common extension of .com while others like .net or .co.uk. Make sure to select your desired website extension when registering and never assume that you are getting what you prefer without making a prior selection. Some domain name registrars are unable to sell specific extensions, such as country codes, .me, .it and .edu.

Domain Names Through Web Hosting: When hosting your website, your web hosting company may offer domain name registration at a small additional cost. Registering through your web host could save you money on the domain name and be easier to set up on your site.

ICANN Accreditation: ICANN, also known as Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, accredits a wide variety of domain registration websites. To legally purchase a reliable domain name for your website, it is important to ensure that company that you are registering with is ICANN accredited. This non-profit organization completely oversees domain names across the World Wide Web.

Domain Renewal: After one year you need to renew your domain name so that your website does not get lost. Generally when your domain is about to expire your domain registrar will send you a reminder mail regarding the domain renewal. If you do not renew your domain you lose the rights to own it. After this, someone can take over your domain and register it for themselves.