Simply put, a Domain Name is a textual address for a location on the Internet — analogous to an address for a place you can find and visit in the "Slow-World" outside the Internet. Like a mnemonic telephone reminder — 800-AIRLINE, for example — a domain name corresponds to the actual alpha numeric address which the Internet computers can read.

But, a domain name can also create an expectation about who is at that location because it is often a shorthand naming term, or even a trademark or descriptive term with secondary meaning. For example, "apple.com" suggests that site has something to do with apples. It may be a site relating to Washington State apples, recipes for apple crumb cake, the history of Johnny Appleseed, or Apple Computers. Or, it may be something entirely unrelated to apples — though it is, in fact, the domain name for Apple Computer's home page.

This suggestion of identity also may raise a level of expectation regarding the quality of what is offered at a site. For example, the domain name "beanclothes.com" might lead us to expect it is the home page of L.L. Bean, and that any merchandise offered there would be of superior quality with an unconditional guaranty. We might spend a lot of money and be disappointed because it is not L.L. Bean.

Because they may suggest content, identity and quality, domain names are related to, and may function as trademarks.

• More information about domain names

For more information relating to domain names:

• About how to read a Domain Name
• About how to obtain a Domain Name
• About NSI's Domain Name Dispute Policy
• Finding who is behind a particular Domain Name
• About foreign Domain Names
• About Domain Names and Trademarks

A Domain Name is normally composed of three Top Level Domains [TLDs].

1st Level TLD

Domain names in every country except the United States use a two letter country designator. Domain Names in the United States have a "us" country designator, but it is not normally used. Some other country abbreviations:

2nd Level TLD

In the United States, the following designations are used:

3rd Level TLD

This indication of the individual business or person is the place to be creative. There can be up to 22 characters, using only letters, numbers or dashes.

These TLDs are registerable via the Registration Services of the Internet.

For more information about reading domain names:

InterNIC (Internet Network Information Center) is a cooperative project under the auspices of the National Science Foundation. AT&T manages the InterNIC Directory and Database project. NSI (Network Solutions, Inc.) manages the Registration Services project which is composed of NIC Support Services and the Information Scout Service.

NSI registers second level Internet domain names in the top level .com, .org, .gov, .edu, and .net domains on a first come first served basis. NSI has adopted a policy limiting each person or organization to one domain name. They suggest that anyone wanting to further define or separate domain addresses add a further domain designation to the left of the 3rd Top Level Domain. But, subsidiaries of parent corporations may register their own domain name, and there are indications some companies — such as Domain Name Registration Dispute Policy regarding domain names which may conflict with registered trademarks. Applicants for domain names must sign an agreement containing consent to obligations and forfeiture of rights which might otherwise be available to them.

Registration can be made directly with NSI, or there are many services which for a fee will handle the registration.

Also see information about:

About NSI charging for domain names:

To check if your choice for a domain name is available from InterNIC:

Services that will register a domain name for a fee:

NSI (Network Solutions, Inc.) registers second level Internet domain names in the top level .com, .org, .gov, .edu, and .net domains within the United States on a first come first served basis.

NSI has been faced with growing numbers of disputes regarding Domain Names. The disputes primarily relate to the misuse of trademarks. NSI has therefore adopted a policy of disavowing any responsibility, and at the same time assuming the right to suspend and withdraw any name which is disputed.

Applicants must warrant they have the right to use the Domain Name, that they intend to use the name, and its use will be for a lawful purpose. Applicants must agree to be bound by a dispute resolution proposed by NSI, and to reimburse NSI and others responsible for the Internet for any costs they may incur.

NSI has the sole and arbitrary right to change their policy on 30 days' notice — apparently even if it adversely effects users on the web.

While the problem with trademarks is very real, the NSI's Dispute Policy presents many issues.

For more information about NSI's Domain Name Dispute Policy:

A "WHOIS" search can be used to find who owns a particular Domain Name. WHOIS is maintained by InterNIC, and is used to look up records in the main DNS (Domain Name Server) database.

For techniques and detailed explanation of a WHOIS search:

To make a WHOIS search:

Independent centers register domain names in each country. NSI registers domain names only in the United States, sharing information with other registration centers, but not conducting foreign searches for conflicting or confusing names.

All countries except the United States use their country designations as the first Top Level Domain on the far right of the Domain Name. Domain Names in the United States also have a top level .us domain designator on the far right of its domain names, but the designation is not generally used at this time.

The following are some of the other country abbreviations:

For more information about the top level .US Domain:

For more information about foreign domain names: