Domain names

What is a domain name?
Each website inhabits a domain, and is allocated an IP (Internet Protocol) address to help internet users locate sites on the ever-expanding internet. IP addresses are numerical, but because it is easier to remember words, the Domain Name System translates them into words - and these are called 'domain names'.

Each domain name can only be used once, and as every website owner wants a memorable domain name, the shortest, catchiest names become very expensive.

A website's domain name will appear in the address bar at the top of your internet window. You will notice the different extensions, for example .co.uk, .com, .org, .biz

Buying domain names…
If you are looking to buy a domain name for your company or website you will need to use a domain name registrar. The company that handles all UK domain names is called nominet, and internic for all US domains, though there are plenty of companies buying and selling domain names that you can find if you run an internet search.

If you need advice or to resolve a dispute about a domain name, or if you just want further information, try nominet or internic.

Resources

internic
Nominet