Domain names are a method for allowing internet users to navigate the web sites easily. They are names used to stand in for numeric IP addresses to make web surfing simpler in that the user can apply the name that he's looking for rather than having to search for or memorize numbers. Also known as host names for computers.

Consider domain names as the internet's little piece of real estate. Some of the top level Domain names are dot-com, dot-net, dot-org, etc. The name directly to the left of these top domain names is considered your second-level domain names. Directly to the left of the second-level name is a third-level domain name which is commonly known to designate the host server. These levels can go on up to fourth, fifth and so on.

Domain definitions

When the World Wide Web began the intent of using dot-com, dot-org was intended to go with its specific definition. Dot-com was to stand in for commercial, dot-org was for organization and so on. The second level domain name was to identify a particular entity or business while the third level often times specified the country the host server was in. However, due to the popularity of the dot-com designation many non commercial sites would strive to get addresses under the dot-com trademark.

Abuses

Cyber squatting is a term referring to a company or entity trying to redirect traffic towards their site by using similar names to well known companies. Laws were enacted to protect these companies but then it led to what's called reverse domain hijacking by companies suing other companies for using similar generic names claiming it was their own trademark when actually other companies may have a legitimate grounds to their names.

As the internet grows bigger there has been a need to set up corporations whose primary responsibilities are to maintain and regulate the internet traffic and uses.

History

Domain names were first implemented in 1985 and originally there were only six of them. Today due to the huge demand and traffic on the World Wide Web, there are upwards of twenty different domain names all of which were intended to represent the type of organization to make it easier for people to search for particular topics.
Exotic domain names

Since domain names have been around for such a long while most of the good names have been taken. More and more people have had to resort to more complicated names and as a result may lose out on some business since the simpler the name the easier it is for people to remember. Some hackers have created unique domain names by taking a name and putting dots and @ signs strategically to resemble existing third level domain names.

Obtaining domain names

Domain names are usually sold by people called domineers for a price. They can even been leased to users for a period of time. There are some companies that offer low-cost or even free domain registrations, however there is a requirement of hosting on their sites with their advertising in the user's content. This allows the provider the ability to make money off of someone else's website.