Domain Name Extensions

Domain name extensions offer you the flexibility of ending your Web site's address in one of several unique formats. Domain extensions include .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info and others. Which domain name extension should you choose? Should you only buy one domain extension, or should you try to stock up on every possible ending? This quick guide will give you some domain name extension advice to help you make good decisions.

The domain name system, or DNS, was created in 1984 by the Internet Activities Board (IAB). Soon, seven domain name extensions (.com, .edu, .gov, .int, .mil, .net and .org) were created. You can register three of these seven domain extensions without any restrictions: .com, .net and .org. Originally, the .org domain extension was supposed to be restricted to non-profit organizations, but the reality is that anyone can register it, whether for profit or not.

In 1992, Network Solutions, Inc. (NSI) became the registrar for .com, .net and .org domain name extensions . NSI also maintained WHOIS, which is the full database of assigned domain names and domain extensions. But that's not all. In 2000 and 2001, seven more domain name extension options were officially made available: .aero, .biz, coop, .info, .museum, .name and .pro. Now you can register any or all of these domain name extensions when you create a Web site with a new domain.

Browse through our Web site for a complete domain name extension run-down. We offer free descriptions of each basic domain extension as well as many country domain name extensions.