Those addresses are, however, very awkward for human beings to type into their browsers. In addition, the addresses of various devices and systems can change occasionally (as when a web site moves from one server to another).

In order to make the internet and web easier to use, the concept of a domain name was invented. This allows people to enter something which, in theory at least, is easier to understand and type than a long string of seemingly random numbers. Thus, a web site, FTP site, email address or any other entity on the internet can be addressed using a more friendly name.

Examples of valid domain names include:

• internet-tips.net
• survivingasthma.com
• richardlowe.tk

Additional Articles

• Who Needs a Domain Name? You've worked hard on your site and you want to be professional. You need a domain name.
• Domain Terminology Confused by all this chatter about domains? Perhaps an explanation of the terms will help.
• Domain Names Choose your domain name wisely to properly identify your site to the world.
• The new domains are coming soon A number of new domains have been approved. This is good news for webmasters as it adds more choices to naming your sites
• Domains - .BIZ The .BIZ name is a new domain which is perfect for businesses.
• Domains - .NAME Some new domains have been created, and one of them is .NAME. This is a great one for personal web sites.
• Registering a domain name If you want your web site to be respected or to make any significant money, you had better register a domain name.
• The In's and Out's of Pre-Owned Domain Names You can purchase domain names that were previously owned. There are some things to remember, however, so be a little cautious.
• Why use multiple domain names? What possible value is there for more than one domain name for a site?
• What's Good For A Domain Name? What are some of the things to look for when choosing a domain name?
• Expired And Deleted Domain Names Sometimes you can wait for a domain name to expire, then purchase it. Better hurry before someone else gets it.
• Tips For Choosing A Good Domain Name Choosing a domain name for your web site can be one of the most important decisions that you make.
• Domain Parking Got a domain name but you're not ready to put together a site? If so, you want to park your domain.
• Transferring a domain Unhappy with your domain registrar? Price too high? Then go ahead and transfer your domain to another one.
• New.Net A company called new.net is creating it's own naming scheme. It's a silly idea which deserves to die.
• Domain Registrars Need a list of domain registrars? Presented for your use is a small list of some that you might find useful.
• Your Own DNS Sometimes you need to do some special things with your domain. You may find you want to control your own name servers.
• Domain Name Tools Looking for a good domain name? Or just want to keep an eye on some good ones? If so, here are some tools for you.
• ICANN - Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ICANN is the organization which is in charge of the domain name system.
• Domain Name Slamming Slamming is the unethical practice of some domain name registrars. They will send you official looking documents to get you to change without your full awareness.
• Domain Name Registrars This is a list of the domain name registrars for each country or top-level domain name.
• The Domain Name Rush Is Over A few years ago, many people were convinced that they could make a killing by buying and reselling domain names. These days, they have changed their minds.
• Your Own DNS Sometimes you need to do some special things with your domain. You may find you want to control your own name servers.

Nerdtimes.com © 2003 Richard Lowe, Jr. and Claudia Arevalo-Lowe