but there's more to a domain name than you think.
A FEW DETAILS ON DOMAINS
It's where every Internet story starts.
So let's start with a few basics.
Domain names are the way we organize, navigate and understand the Web. Without domain names, a URL would just be a series of unintelligible numbers with no meaning. A domain name, though, gives us a literal address that directs us to the area of the Web that we want to get to. There are a few different parts of what we consider a "domain name."
THE ANATOMY OF A DOMAIN NAME
It may look like just a single Internet address, but there are a few important parts.
Let's start with the beginning, also known as the third-level domain.
click on domain name to explore
Third-level domain: This is often www but can take many other forms depending on how the owner of the second-level domain needs to use it (i.e., it could also be video.bestdomainnameever.com, etc.).
Have an idea for a domain name? See if it's available here.
The process of acquiring, owning and running a domain involves a whole lot of people. Knowing who those people are, and what they do, helps you understand not only how the Internet works but also how to most efficiently register and use a domain of your own.
SO LET'S MAKE A FEW CONNECTIONS.
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click boxes to explore
Have you ever thought about what makes the Internet actually work? Well, here it is.
Query resolution. Sounds kind of complicated, right?
Well, it is a little bit. But not when you have a handy graph to break it down for you.
Looking for a more technical explanation filled with industry jargon and DNS acronyms? CLICK HERE
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Step 1
You type a Web address into your browser and hit Enter. (This is what we call a “query.”) -
Step 2
Your query travels to an authoritative name server that matches it up with all location information about that website and instantly translates and directs it to its destination. (This is what we call “resolution.”) -
Step 3
You arrive at your website without ever having to think about it. (This is what we call “awesome.”)
The right domain can build a brand, start a community or change the world.
Now that you know a little more about how domains work, let's look at what makes each FreeYourID-managed TLD unique and what could make it a great fit for you.
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Open your business to the world with .com.
Thousands of companies have made .com the premier domain for global business online. No matter what kind of site or company you have, .com provides instant recognition and credibility anywhere in the world.
WHO'S IT GREAT FOR?
- Small businesses. See how valuable .com's credibility can be
- Corporations. See how .com can be a valuable part of your brand
- Individuals. See how you can break out—and through—with .com
THE WHOLE STORY
The Internet has defined the way we think about the world. And now it's defining the way we think about our future. FreeYourID has helped to build, protect and advance the Internet at nearly every stage of its development. And FreeYourID is a big part of some exciting things to come.
AND THAT'S JUST THE BEGINNING
Get inspired about what your domain name could be, see if it's available, and find a registar to make it your own.