What is a domain name?

A domain name is the easy to remember names for computers on the Internet (such as bitstreamnetworks.com). Every domain name corresponds with an IP Address which the computers way of communicating over the internet.

A domain name in the last part of a web address, for example: domain.tld. Note the lack of "www." in front of the address. The "www." refers to the name of a specific server (hostname). Other examples of hostnames include ftp.domain.tld, home.domain.tld, members.domain.tld. All these hostname/domain name combinations can point to the same machine, but are routed differently by the webserver software.

The use of multiple hostnames can be used to your advantage. For example, say you want to register a domain name for your family to use. If you register the domain name "lastname.com", you can

• setup your account as www.lastname.com and share the same web pages together
• setup your account as son.lastname.com, daughter.lastname.com, grandma.lastname.com
• use both options together, having a generic family site (www.lastname.com) and a site for each family member (son. daughter. grandma.).

How can I get my own domain name?

Domain names can be registered via our domain name registration page. Click here to register your domain name now.

What is a nameserver?

A nameserver is a computer that runs a software called domain name service (dns). When you enter a domain name (such as Bitstream Networks.com) into a program, such as a web browser or ftp client, the nameservers are used to resolve the name to an IP Address. This IP Address is then used to connect to the server and retieve your data.