If you're new to building a website for an online business, e-portfolio or blog, you've probably heard experienced builders talk about the term 'domain name.' Just what is a domain name, you ask? And why is it essential that you have one registered?

A domain name is what internet users type into a browser to gain access specific website. For example, our domain name is computer-geek.net, you would type this into the address bar, and it will take you to our website.

Websites also have a uniform resource locator, more commonly known as URL or web address. URLs contain the domain name in them but with added links to specific pages on the website. For example, the URL for our contact page looks like this https://www.computer-geek.net/Contact.htm; computer-geek.net is our domain name, and Contact.htm is the path to our contact page. 

Typically there are two, sometimes three, parts to a domain name. 

And when it comes to reading domain names, there are specific levels. These levels are read right to left. To get a better look, here is an example using our website. 

'.net' is the Top Level Domain or TLD. (Most General)

'computer-geek' is the second-level domain or 2LD.

Certain websites, such as Google, will have a third-level domain specific to countries outside North America. So for Google UK, it would look like this, www.google.co.uk. 

Domain names can also contain .com or .ca at the end. 

So, how do you get a domain name? 

Anybody can get a domain name. All you have to do is come up with a name unique to your brand, register it with a reputable host, and pay a fee. Once you've paid your fees and keep paying them, nobody can take that name. But to keep your domain name, you must keep paying your fees. Otherwise, someone may come in and take that name from you.

It's also important that you use a trusted host because some out there take advantage of website builders. Some untrustworthy hosts will buy domain names as soon as they expire and try and sell them back to the owners at twice the cost. 

Now, if all of this seems overwhelming and you need someone to help you with your website, The Computer Geek is here to help. Our team is dedicated to all things computer-related and website building and hosting.

For more information on our services, visit our website or call (905)426-1784. We will answer any questions you may have