A domain name is simply the online address of your website. Domain names are preferred to IP addresses since they are easy to remember. On the other hand, an IP address is a string of numbers and is difficult for users to remember.

How does it work? Once you key in the domain name in your browser address bar, your web host will forward your request to the webserver. The server compiles the web page or information requested and sends it to the browser.

A Top-Level Domain (TLD) is the last segment of a domain name that follows the dot symbol. Its purpose is to identify everything associated with a website (such as geographical area of origin and its owner among others).

TLDs are classified into two main categories; generic and country-specific. All TLDs are managed by organizations under the guidance of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

Some TLDs have their common uses as follows:
.com – Commercial businesses
.org – Mostly by non-profit organizations
.net – Network organizations
.ph – Organizations in the Philippines

Domain registration is not a complicated task; it can take between 24 hours to 3 months, depending on various factors such as the domain. Most will, however, take you just a day.

Some domain names can be approved within a shorter period, while others are subject to more restrictions. Although most domain names are open for all to use, other verified domains will require you to pass through a verification process. For example, some country code domains will need documents such as proof of business registration.

Registration begins when you choose a domain name. Thereafter, the registration request is submitted to the registrar along with the following information:

1. The name and contact information of the domain’s owner, administrative and financial contacts. These should include,
• Email addresses;
• Physical addresses; and
• Contact phone numbers.

2. The desired domain registration term.

3. Payment.

However, before you register your domain name, you will be required to confirm whether your name has been copyrighted. After which, you can review and determine the domain contract period.

Domain forwarding is a technique that allows you to use your website URL to link visitors to a different URL you choose. It also includes two options: forwarding only and forwarding with masking. Both options will redirect your visitors, but forwarding with masking has additional features you can use.

For example:
1) Forwarding only - When someone types example.com in a browser address bar, they will be redirected to the site example.net, and the browser address bar will show example.net.

2) Forwarding with masking - When someone types example.com in a browser address bar, they will be redirected to the site example.net. The browser address bar will continue to show it as example.com.