What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is the name you choose for your web site. For example, www.webdesign-island.com. It is one of the primary factors that search engines use to rank your web site, so select a name that relates directly to the theme of your site. 

Having a domain name does NOT mean that you have a web hosting account, altho you may purchase hosting in the same place that you purchase the domain name (which you DO NOT want to do).  

Why Purchase the Extensions .net, .org, etc.?

Sometimes it is necessary to secure variations or your primary domain name to prevent someone from registering other variations of your current domain name. These people often profit from the traffic that can come from the domain and they may attempt to sell you these domain names at an inflated price.  

Domain Names & Web Hosting

Purchasing a domain name does not mean you have web hosting. It is only the "name" you are purchasing and that use of the name is renewed annually (approx. $10.00 per year).

Some companies where you purchase your domain name may offer web hosting as well, but as good practice you should avoid having your domain name and web hosting in the same place. For example, if your web hosting company shuts down you may lose your domain name along with it.

Having your domain name in a separate place gives you control of which hosting company you want to "point" the domain name to.