Let us start this guide by looking at the simple question; what is a domain name?

The question may seem quite simple and obvious to the web savvy.

But to the majority of the people it doesn't sound so, are you among these people?

Well… that might be another Greek term if you're like them,

What is a domain name? IP addresses are assigned to computers while domains are for humans, to help them remember websites.

A domain name is assigned to an IP address on the internet which helps people to find websites. I just mentioned an IP address, right? So then the next logical question should be; what is an IP address?

An IP address is an abbreviation that stands for Internet Protocol. In other words it is a unique string of numbers usually shown in groups separated by periods.

Here is an example of an IP address-66.43.58.184.

Computers connected on the internet communicate with each other using an IP address. Without IP addresses computers won't be able to communicate with one another. Whenever a given computer wants to send data to another computer located in the next room, street, town, state or country, it uses an IP address. That is how important IP addresses are.

Simple Activity To Answer-What is a Domain Name?

Let us now look at this simple activity to help you answer the question, "What is a Domain Name?"

In the year 2007 I remember how I used IP addresses instead of domain names to access websites. I used to type 66.43.58.184 and I could be directed to Nikenya.com website. That was then, but nowadays this is not so. You use an IP address instead of a domain name then you get "Server not found" message from Firefox while internet explorer will display that IP's results information.

You don't believe this? Then go ahead copy and paste or type the following numbers into your browser:

66.43.58.184

What page came up? Now you realize what I meant!

Let us now perform this simple activity with you, are you ready? Ok, click this link Whois. Give it sometime to open, and once it opens the page type Nikenya.com on the search box. Next click Whois button provided on the right side.

What are your observations thereafter? You'll get to know the IP address Nikenya.com domain name is assigned to. This is to say that domain names are assigned to IP addresses.

That is exactly how computers identify and communicate with each other (We will talk about the DNS--Domain name system later).

Why Use Domain Names In Place Of IP Addresses?

Just imagine trying to remember an IP address like "Go to 66.43.58.184 to read some information." If you're like most of us, then remembering such numerical numbers soon becomes a difficult task to do.

Discover 10 sure fire qualities of good domain names here.

It also sounds really weird or creepy to tell your friend to go to 66.43.58.184 to check out a particular great friendship article or deal. Mmm.... it doesn't sound right. What do you think?

So far we have seen that computers use an IP address to identify other computers on the net of networks. Well that is how creepy computers work. How about us?

What do humans use?

That brings us to part two of our question above; what is a domain name, Click on the link after next, to continue.

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