The Domain Name System (DNS) helps users to find their way around the Internet. Every computer on the Internet has a unique address, just like a telephone number, which is a rather complicated string of numbers. It is called its Internet Protocol (IP) address. But it is hard to remember everyone’s IP address. The DNS makes it easier by allowing a familiar string of letters, the domain name, to be used instead of the arcane IP address. So instead of typing 192.0.34.65, you can type www.easyboyweb.com. It is a mnemonic device that makes addresses easier to remember. Translating the name into the IP address is called resolving the domain name. The goal of the DNS is for any Internet user any place in the world to reach a specific website IP address by entering its domain name. Domain names are also used for reaching e-mail addresses and for other Internet applications.
Therefore the term domain name refers to a name that is entered into a computer as a website address. A domain name registrar is a company accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to sell Internet domain names. A domain name registry, also called Network Information Centre (NIC), is part of the Domain Name System of the Internet which resolves domain names to IP addresses. It is an organisation which centrally manages the ownership of domain names within the top-level domains which it has been given authority of, often decides and implement the policies around domain name allocation and operates its top-level domain technically.
The Internet domain name system (DNS) consists of a directory, organized hierarchically, of all the domain names and their corresponding computers registered to particular companies and persons using the Internet. When you register a domain name, it will be associated with the computer on the Internet you designate during the period the registration is in effect. From that computer, you can create a website which will be accessible to Internet users around the world.
Domain names can be registered through many different companies, known as registrars that compete with one another. The registrar you choose will ask you to provide various contact and technical information that makes up the registration. The registrar will then keep records of the contact information and submit the technical information to a central directory known as the registry. This registry provides other computers on the Internet the information necessary to send you e-mail or to find your web site. You will also be required to enter a registration contract with the registrar, which sets forth the terms under which your registration is accepted and will be maintained.
The cost of domain registration depends on the nature of the Registry; commercial registries naturally tend to charge what the market will bear, whereas non-commercial registries tend to charge less. Each registrar has the flexibility to offer initial and renewal registrations in one-year increments, provided that the maximum remaining unexpired term shall not exceed ten years. Can I change registrars after registering a domain name? Yes, you may change the registrar sponsoring your domain name (beginning 60 days after initial registration). For details on the transfer process, contact the registrar you would like to assume sponsorship of the registration.
