What is a Domain Name

A domain name is the address given to a world wide web (www.)site in order that it can be found on the Internet. Computers can recognise web sites by their (internet protocol) IP numbers, however it is easier for humans to remember names, particularly when there is an association between the domain name and the content /service of the web site being located.

A domain name is unique across the entire Internet to one owner and can only be registered once.

A domain name is made up of several segments, they include a "Top Level" domain, (e.g. .com). This identifies the country of operation, .uk is the United Kingdom, .fr is France, or it can identify the type of organisation, .com is a commercial organisation operating on an international basis. Within the UK it is the "Second Level" domain names which identify the type of organisation, the .uk "Second Level" domains are detailed below.

Major Domains within the UK (these are the most popular)

co.uk For commercial businesses within the UK

org.uk For non-commercial organisations within the UK, i.e. Charities

ltd.uk For limited companies within the UK

plc.uk For public limited companies within the UK

net.uk Reserved for network providers within the UK

Alternative domains for the UK(good alternative if the .co.uk version has already gone)

Uk.com Alternative UK commercial organisation

Uk.net Alternative UK commercial or network organisation

Gb.com Alternative UK commercial organisation

Gb.net Alternative UK commercial or network organisation

Global Domains "1st Level" are shown below (common in the US)

com For commercial businesses

org For non-commercial organisations, i.e. Charities

net For network providers

It is the next level, which represents an organisations own identity, as is the case with www.Freshwebnames.com. It is this part of the domain name that is unique, and can only be registered once.