| Every computer that has access to the Internet has | | | | How to register a domain name |
| its own unique address and identification number. This | | | | You can register your domain name through many |
| unique address is known as its IP address, which | | | | different companies known as "registrars." All of |
| stands for Internet protocol address. The domain | | | | these companies compete with each other to get |
| name helps Internet users use the Internet more | | | | you to use their services. There is a directory list |
| easily. So, instead of having to type the IP address, | | | | online of all the registrars available. |
| you are now allowed to use a name instead. For | | | | When you choose a registrar to work with, they |
| example, if you want to visit a website, instead of | | | | often ask you many questions before they register |
| typing 206.121.156.3 you can now use | | | | your domain. The information they ask you consists |
| What does it mean to register? | | | | of your contact information and some technical |
| A domain name registration company has a directory, | | | | information. They then take the information you |
| organized hierarchically, of all domain names and their | | | | provide to them and keep those records in a central |
| corresponding computers registered to particular | | | | directory known as a "registry." This registry is what |
| companies and persons using the Internet. Your | | | | allows Internet users to send you e-mail or to find |
| computer is associated through that domain name | | | | your website. You are also required to enter into a |
| when you register a domain name on the Internet. | | | | registration contract that states the terms and |
| You can then create a website from that computer | | | | agreements of your registration of the domain name. |
| that can be seen by people all over the world. | | | | |