A domain name is simply the online address of your website. Domain names are preferred to IP addresses since they are easy to remember. An IP address, on the other hand, is in numeric form and may be difficult for users to remember.

How does it work? Once you key in the domain name in your browser’s address bar, your web host will forward your request to the web server. 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 main purpose is to identify everything associated with a website such as its purpose, geographical area of origin, and its owner among others.

TLDs are classified into two main categories; generic and country-specific. Each TLD is manned by a specific organization 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
• .sg – Organizations in Singapore

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

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

1. The name and contract information of the domain’s owner, administrative and financial contacts
- This should include:
       Email addresses.
       Physical addresses.
       Contact phone numbers.

2. The desired domain registration term.
3. Payment.

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