A Domain Name is a name used to identify an IP address on the Internet. An IP address in turn is the numbering system that is used to identify computers on the internet. Domain Names where developed to mask the IP address and allow web pages to be more easily found and  remembered. For example this IP address 192.168.12.129, would be hard to remember and often change from one host to another, as opposed to your own unique Domain Name which is kept the same even while moving from one web host to another.

A Domain name can be any name you choose (as long as that name hasn’t been taken by somebody else, search) and usually end with a .com .org, .biz, .info, or .net. Example: http://www.yourname.com. Domain names are primarily used for organizations such as Microsoft.com or yahoo.com but can be used to identify your personal home page on the internet.

Diagram:

After you have deicide on a name and verified that it is indeed available, the first step is to register your domain name with a domain name registry. Registering your name with a registry will allow your name to be accessible throughout the internet through any web browser.

 Remark: You can often avoid the cost in registering a domain name by taking advantage of cost incentives provided by hosting providers. You may be able to register your domain name for free if you host your website with this provider. Before you register take a look at resources at the end of the article for hosting plans that allow free domain name registrations.

Once you have registered your domain name, you will need to host your domain name with a web hosting provider. Web hosting providers let you use space (usually for a fee) on their web server where you can upload files that make up your website. A monthly fee is usually charged.

Once you have your name registered and hosted you can start uploading your files to host your website. Your hosting provider will have more information on what features are available to you.

Here is a list of various features that most hosting providers provide to their customers:

• Email
• Databases
• Ftp Access
• Vpn Access
• Video and Audio streams

If you have any questions regarding this topic you can post them at the Forums