2.29.2012

Understanding Domain Names And The URL

By Dean Smith


Domain names are identification labels or designations used to describe an area of power, administrative control, or independence in the internet world. They are used to identify an internet protocol or IP resources like web sites. Knowing the difference between identification labels and Uniform Resources Identifiers, or URLs, is an important aspect of the internet world many people miss.

The domain name system or DNS, determines the rules and practices used for creating identification labels. These labels are organized in the DNS in descending order starting with the first or top level domain, TLD. This level includes generic labels, or gTLDs that utilize net, org, and com. The level also includes country code top level designations also known as ccTLD.

The second and third level are next in line and are typically used by people who want to connect local networks on the internet, create a public access resource, or operate a web site. The realm designations are managed by registrars who charge for their services.

Most people set up blogs or design web sites an have no real understanding of URLs and domains. There are several free sites that help people set up blogs and web sites by completing many of the tasks for them. With these services it is understandable why many do not learn the connection and how they work. Many individuals actually think that the two are the same things because they work in combination to send people to the resource.

The labels are hostnames that are used for identifying a host. They are also an important part of the URL. The name identifies the ownership of the resource while the URL is the numerical address of the site. The name of a site within a URL might look like www.mywebsite.com.

A tags are identifying labels used to indicate ownership and control over a resource. The label is a simple way to memorize or recognize the name of an internet resource. The labels are typically called domains and the domain owner is called the registrant. When an individual registers a name they are given the sole right of use it but no legal ownership rights.

It is easy to learn what the purpose of domain names is and how they relate to URLs. Remember that hostnames are domains that are a part of the URL which is the numerical address to a specific site. URL directs to the site and the name is indicative of ownership.




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