A domain name is the name (such as "ourcompany.co.uk") that you use in the Internet address of your website and as part of your email address. Your domain name lets other people find your website or send emails to you.
Each domain name has two parts. The first part can be any combination of letters and numbers, though most businesses try to choose a name that relates to them, such as the name of their company or product (see question three).
The second part of the name shows which country the name is registered in or what kind of organisation is using it.
- There are different country codes for different countries, such as .uk (for the UK).
- Each of these country codes may be divided into sub-categories for different types of organisation. For example, .co.uk is used by businesses in the UK.
- There are also several international or 'generic' endings for different types of organisation as well as for US organisations (there is no US country code). For example, .com is the generic ending for businesses.
Some of these endings can be used by anyone, but others are restricted. For example, you can only register a domain name ending .aero if you are in the aviation industry.
