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A domain name is the name portion of a web address, which allows users to visit the site. Websites in the United States are typically registered under .com, .net, or .org, although there are several others that aren’t as widely used. Websites built in other countries may end with the abbreviation of the country, such as .uk. A website must have a domain name in order to be registered online and useable by anyone with an internet connection.
There are copyright and privacy laws in place that help protect web developers and others who create websites, so that multiple people cannot register the same domain name. Once it has been taken, it is no longer available unless the site is shut down. It is smart for web designers to select a domain name that is easy to remember, so that customers and other visitors to the site will have no trouble typing it into the address bar.
Some sites can be easily confused with others, so before selecting a domain name, performing a web search for similar names might be smart. Businesses might not want their sites confused with websites geared toward adult entertainment or similar content, as this could deter potential clients who have stumbled on the wrong site by accident.
Once the domain name has been chosen, it can be registered through several different hosting websites. This will often come at a fee, and the price will depend on the popularity of the name. Thousands of potential customers spend hours every day online, so a quality website is a must.
