Understanding domain names and the registration process

A domain name is the label used to identify your Web site, for example Way2Host.com. It usually describes some aspect of you site and is easier for your visitors to remember than your Web address, also known as your IP address.

In order for visitors to access your site on the Internet, you must select a unique domain name and register it with an accredited domain name registrar.

A domain name registrar is not the same thing as a web host. A domain name registrar is an organization that has been approved to access and modify the master database of domain names maintained by InterNIC. A web host, such as Way2Host, is a company that provides web servers and administrative services for people and companies who do not have their own web servers or the necessary infrastructure necessary to host their own sites. Way2Host can, however, act as your "agent" and register your domain with a registrar for you.

Your site's name is its domain name. For example, if you site is www.sampledomain.com, sampledomain.com is your domain name.