Domain name

A domain name is a name that is entered into a computer (e.g. as part of a Web site or other URL, or an e-mail address) and then looked up in the global Domain Name System which informs the computer of the Internet Protocol address(es) with that name. A domain name is also called a Web address. A domain name is used as an address for your Web site and e-mail, just like www.smallbusiness.com and rex@smallbusiness.com.

1 What is a domain name?
2 Who oversees domain names?
3 Tips for choosing a domain name
4 How to see if a domain name is available for registration or purchase

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What is a domain name?

A domain name is an Internet address. For example, the domain name of this website is Smallbusiness.com. A domain name has two parts (sometimes preceded by www). For example, in the domain name Smallbusiness.com, the first part of the domain, "Smallbusiness," is a unique word that represents the website. The second part, com, is called an extension. There are several extensions like com (which stands for commercial). In the U.S., the most common extensions used by small businesses are:

.com - commercial
.net - network
.biz - business
.info - information
.us - United States
.org - non-profit organizations

However, think carefully before choosing a domain name with an extension other than .com for a small business website. The reason is that many people trying to find your site from memory or perhaps from your brand name or company name, will automatically use .com. You could end up sending traffic to a competitor site.

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Who oversees domain names?

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the internationally organized, non-profit corporation that has responsibility for overseeing top-level domain name system management, and root server system management functions. These services were originally performed under U.S. Government contract by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and other entities. ICANN now performs the IANA function.

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Tips for choosing a domain name

On the Internet, your domain name is a symbol -- a front-door sign -- of your business. It needs to express who you and your business are, what you do, and what products or services you offer. Your domain name should reflect your business name or the topic your site will cover. Here are other tips for selecting a domain name:

Look for a name that is unique and concise and that is easy to say, remember, and spell.
Spaces and symbols are not allowed; only use letters, numbers, and hyphens.
If your first choice isn't available, try rearranging the word order, adding hyphens, or using abbreviations or locations to come up with a unique alternative.

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How to see if a domain name is available for registration or purchase

To see if your choice of domain names is available, use a "whois" service (see the list below). If your "perfect" domain name has been registered, you can still contact the owner of the name and offer to buy it. Often domains have been registered with the hopes that someone may come along later to purchase it for a higher amount. Often, such domain names are "listed" with re-sellers or brokers who maintain long lists of domain names for sell or auction (see the list below).

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Whois domain search engines

To see if a domain name is available for registration or to see who has registered a domain name, use a search engine called a "whois" service. A list of such services can be found here. Here is a partial list of such services:

Network Solutions WHOIS Lookup - Provides domain name ownership and administration information through domain, NIC handle, and IP address searches.
Whois Source
Allwhois.com - Listing of whois search engines for different countries. Allows you to check domain name availability in any country.
Whois.net - Searches both currently-owned and previously registered domains that are now available.

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Domain name registration services

Domain names are obtained through services called domain name registrars that are "accredited" by ICANN, the non-profit organization that oversees "top-level" domain name system management. You can find a current list of registrars accredited by ICANN at the following website: