Domain Name System or DNS, is the most recognized system for assigning addresses to Internet web servers (aka “Internet hosts”). Somewhat like international phone numbers, the domain name system helps to give every Internet server a memorable and easy-to-spell address.
Domain names serve as names for Internet resources such as computers, networks, and services. A domain name represents an Internet Protocol (IP) resource. Individual Internet host computers use domain names as host identifiers, or host names. Host names are the leaf labels in the domain name system usually without further subordinate domain name space. Host names appear as a component in Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) for Internet resources such as web sites (e.g., Small Business eCommerce Solutions Pixels Webdesign).
Another way of looking at a domain name is to view it like your PO Box number. You own that number as you pay annual rental to New Zealand Post. If someone sends you a letter to the PO Box, no one else can access it, as you are the rightful owner of the PO Box. The PO Box will remain under your ‘ownership’ as long as you keep renewing the PO Box.
In the same way, a domain name is your own property as long as you renew the ‘ownership’ of the domain – usually annually. Domain ownership costs vary but are around $40.00 per year.That is about the cost of a flat white a month. It is recommended that you extend your domain for at least two years at a time – this will give you peace of mind.
It is very important to renew the domain name prior to its expiry date. Just as a PO Box, when not renewed, will pass on to the next customer who wants it, a domain name, when it is not renewed may be purchased by another person.
If you want more information on domain names, please see this Article.
