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[21/11/2009] What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is that which represents one or more IP [internet protocol] addresses and are often used for the purposes of identifying particular pages of the web. It can also be looked at as letters and numbers combining to identify a specific website or network via the internet. Each domain has a suffix with a top level domain (TLD) indicating where it belongs to..com
This is usually used to denote commercial businesses. Commercial businesses are services that are regularly used to satisfy certain wants and needs. This will include services such as laundries, telephone companies and mobile companies among many others.
.edu
This are used to denote educational institutions such as colleges and universities. They are used to offer certain information about the educational centers. This will include the programs offered, the application process, fee structures among many other things.
.co.uk
The 'co' denotes that it commercial and the 'UK' shows us that it is the country. These are website domains that will show individuals that it is a commercial service but in the country of UK. Service may include purchase of cars, mortgage facilities among many others.
.gov
This is a restricted domain name that is exclusively used by governments. This means that it cannot be used by anyone but only governments. However, these domain names can be used to private organizations that have formal associations with the government.
.net
This is a domain name used for network organizations. Its introduction was initially for the purpose of serving internet service providers but this was not restricted meaning it catered to all persons.
.info
This is derived from information and is intended to relay certain information. The best part about this domain name is that it is unrestricted meaning that anybody can use it. It is the most popular of domain names as a result of its neutral meaning that is applicable in most languages.
.pro
This is derived from the word professionals whose intention was to cater to qualified professionals. It however called for the qualified professionals to certify and agree to terms of use and provide licenses before they could embark on its use.
.name
This was more personal as it was intended for use by individuals to represent real names, nick names or fictional names. As much as it was official, the name domain did not get much recognition universally hence possibility of rejection of email addresses by some web addresses.
.mil
It is derived from the word military and is a top level domain used by the military and is restricted and cannot be used by anybody except the military.
.tel
This is derived from the word telephone. The domain name was intended for communications via the net by providing services globally.
.jobs
This was a restricted domain name that served sites relating to employment opportunities. It was therefore intended for use by companies and organizations to register corporate names in the domain for jobs. This site required registration to avoid unnecessary abuse by parties that are not qualified.
