Domain

A domain is a unique identity on the Net, something a computer can locate from millions using a set of numbers called IP (Internet Protocol) number. Each domain has its unique identifying domain number and a corresponding domain name. "yahoo.com" is a domain name so also vsnl.com or infobanc.com (our domain) - each of these domain names has a unique set of IP numbers. While we humans find it difficult to remember long numbers, computers can communicate only through numbers. So the dual use of domain name and number make the identification process simpler for both human and computer.

How does the identification process work ? - You enter an Internet address or URL (Universal Resource Locator) http://www.infobanc.com Now - http stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. This is the protocol, or set of instructions, the browser is to use to handle what's coming up. What's coming will be hypertext, thus the need for hypertext transfer protocol. That makes sense. "://" is some leftover UNIX command which means "everything that follows should be handled this way." Put the two together and you can see that the beginning is saying "The following address is to be handled using hypertext transfer protocol." "www.infobanc.com" is the actual address. In Internet lingo it's the URL (Universal Resource Locator).

Now what does the computer do to identify that part of Internet known as 'infobanc.com' ? Somewhere between you and the site you want to find is something called a DNS server. That stands for a Domain Name Server. It has a really, really long list of domain names and the numbers that correspond. Usually, the ISP that you have your page on has its own DNS server. If not, they are attached to one close by. The DNS server reads the text you put in, changing that text into the corresponding IP number, then sends the request off and into cyberspace. If that seems like one more step than is required, it is. But isn't it worth it to be able to type in words rather than remember some long strain of numbers? Have you ever put in an address and received a message back that the server you requested didn't have a DNS entry? Well, now you know what that means. The DNS server can't find a number that lines up with the text you entered.

Where Do These Numbers Come From ? - The InterNIC Registration Service. Yes Virginia, there is company called Network Solutions Inc or Internet, Inc. They assign the IP numbers. The cost is $70 for two years. You send them the request, and if the name you want isn't taken or offensive, you get back a number. In addition, that number is made known to all the world's DNS servers. Oh, it's quite a system.

Getting Your Own Domain -On to the real reason you came here. How do you get your own IP address and start your own domain, www.yournamehere.com? There are two basic ways:

Buy a connection to the Internet, a DNS server, dedicated ISDN lines, modem ports, hire a technician, and set up three or four very expensive Internet servers. Your cost ? a million dollars may be ?<

I opted for the later. The first choice is good if you want to start your own server, sell space on the server, and make a true business of it all. I just wanted to write these tutorials and answer e-mails. I have a Virtual Domain.