Domain names

The host

This is a machine which stores files and sends them out when requested. It has an address.. an ip.. address.

Domain name

A domain name is something that needs to be registered. It can be a .uk, .es, .au, or really from any country. .com .net .org are non country-specific. They all need to be registered to legally exist. When you register your domain, you may own it for a year or two. When it expires you must pay again or risk losing it to someone else.

Domain allocation

Once the domain is registered it can be pointed to a web server. The name is stored in a look-up table along with the ip address of the host 'name server'. As soon as the domain name is requested the look-up tells the browser where to look.. simple huh?

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