How to Get a Domain Name
A domain name is like a phone number, everything in it means something. That’s why a web address is called a URL, a Universal Resource Locator.
In the same way that phone numbers have country codes, area codes, 3-digit exchanges, main numbers, and extensions, a website’s URL can be split into meaningful parts.
Website names usually start with “http://”. It’s sort of like the country code. There are other prefixes: “http://” (notice the s) this tells the browser that the site is secure and information has been encrypted so you can feel safe when entering a credit card number or other private info. “ftp://” tells us also that the browser that there are files, like programs, to be captured and saved on your computer. In most browsers, if you leave off http:// it will insert automatically for you.
When a website is just promotional literature you can usually get rid of the http:// part and just list mybrand dotcom. When you write a URL in an email, it is very important that you include the prefix. A complete URL with the prefix, when typed in an email, will be delivered by a clickable link in the text that will automatically if clicking on it.
At the end of a domain name is a suffix of two or three letters called a “top level extension”. Dotcom and dotnet are the most popular for businesses. Dotgov is for government, dotedu is for schools, dotmil for the military, and dotorg is usually a not for profit organization. Some countries have their own suffix, such as dotca for Canada. A popular one is dottv, for the Pacific island of Tuvalo. Even though they are not located there, many broadcasters and communications companies use dottv.
Some new suffixes have been introduced because most of the good dot com names are gone. Dot biz and dot info are gaining popularity with businesses, and a lot of good names are still available.
These are suffixes may be available:
- .name - individual and personal websites.
- .pro - professions such as law, medicine, accounting, etc.
- .aero - services and companies dealing with air travel.
- .coop - co-operative organizations.
- .museum - museums, archival institutions, and exhibitions.
- .xxx - sex and porn.