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A domain name is a unique name that identifies an
internet site. The internet is made up of millions of computers
and networks, all with their own domain name or unique address.
When the internet was young all the geeks got together
and decided that every computer on the internet had
to have an address. How else could we find each other?
The decision was to give every computer an IP number
(Internet Protocol Number). This number consists of
4 parts separated by dots such as 123.45.67.89 or
12.345.678.910.
But as the internet grew it became obvious to some
that there must be an easier way to find someone than trying to
remember a 10 or 12 digit number. Ah... Domain Names were born!
And the DNS was born (Domain Name System). If everyone
got together they could give names to each computer instead of
a number. But someone has to keep track of what name goes with
what IP number. The DNS keeps track of domain names. Everyone
still has an IP number but the DNS automatically goes to that
number when someone looks for your domain name.
So now we can get a domain name of our choice and
not have to worry about any number. That is taken care of by the
DNS.
Having your own domain name gives your site a more
professional appearance. But it also has other advantages. Domains
can be easily transferred from ISP to ISP (internet service provider)
without changing the domain name.
So, as long as you pay your registration fees to
the domain name registrar that issued your name, friends, family,
customers, and regular visitors will always be able to find your
site — www.bluetrue.com.au — no matter how many different
ISPs you may use through the years.
To make sure that the system is consistant and global,
ICANN, The Internet Corporation
for Assigned Names and Numbersn was established as the non-profit
corporation to control domain names.
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