Using domain names instead of IP numbers
Since IP numbers can be hard to remember, the Domain Name System (DNS) allows us to use words that can more easily identify the person or organization we are trying to reach. These "domain names" end in letters that are called "top level domains" (tld's) and though you most often may see ".com" and ".net" there are actually a large number of top level domains such as ".jp" for Japan and ".ca" for Canada. Most people will only be interested in the most common of these ending articles.

Though you may be using domain names when browsing the internet, behind the scenes an intricate routing process determines the correct IP number and directs you to the assigned location.

The Domain Name System is not a single controlling entity but is more of a structured association of entities tiered with a controlling entity at the top (ICANN, The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) that watches to be sure other entities in the structure are following the rules.

Do I need a domain name?

The simple answer to that question is "no, but get one anyway". Having your own domain name is easy, very inexpensive, and it provides a unique and simple way to find your site. Domain names also help establish an online image and internet brand for your site.

Most web hosting companies allow customers to use the hosting companies domain name along with some type of identifier (like "yourcompany.thehostingcompany.com" or "www.thehostingcompany.com/yourcompany"), and though there are good uses for this like using specific tools and secure connections provided by the hosting company, there is no reason not to have your own domain name.

If you don't yet have a domain name, you can secure one right now. You may find that your first choice of names is already taken by someone else. If this happens, try another name that would identify your site. Remember that the most people are used to using ".com" domain names and though dashes ("-") are allowed in domain names, you will want to be able to easily tell someone your domain and have them remember it. If you wanted to register "global-guide-line.com" there is a very good chance that your customers would skip the dash and come here (to GGL.com) instead. The best domain names are short, descriptive (such as your company name or product), and easily memorized.

On a contrary note, you may get better search engine placement with a longer, more descriptive domain name. Domain names are inexpensive and web hosting companies usually allow more than one domain to point to your main web page. Consider both approaches. You may want to get more than one domain name.