Domain Name
A Domain Name is a unique 'web address name' that you register, this Domain Name can then be used to direct people to your website.
Like postal addresses, Domain Names need to be unique so that people (computers) using the web can find you. If there wasn't a unique name for every website on the web, it simply would not work. Domain names are leased per year and are renewable at the end of your lease. Australian domain names are only available as a two year leases. If a lease is allowed to lapse the web site is no longer available for viewing by the public. Reminders are automatically sent out to prevent a lease from expiring.
www - Meaning 'World Wide Web', standard for all Domain Names.
yourname- This is the part you choose to register and which, when combined with it's extension, must be unique. It is usually your business or organisation name.
.com, .com.au - The Domain Name Extension, which can be a geographical reference or a site definition type. Australian domain use the .au extension.
Each part is separated by a dot or full-stop (period). Examples:
- www.yourname.com
- www.yourname.co.au
- www.yourname.org
- www.yourname.org.au
A Domain Name Extension forms part of the name's uniqueness. 'www.yourname.com.au' is unique from 'www.yourname.org.au'. They are two separate Domain Names.
Australian business' must provide an ABN or ACN to register a .com.au domain name and the name must be similar to the registered business name.
To register a .com domain name you don't need to provide these details.
For more information on the rules governing the registration of domain names in Australia please visit The Australian Domain Name Administrator.
An excellent document is avaliable for download here.
