Computers
connected to the Internet (including your own PC when you dial up) are
identified by a unique number called an IP address (for instance,
234.208.12.129).
Domain
names were invented to match the IP addresses to words which are easier
for people to deal with. All
domain names are unique. They have to be. That's why, if the domain
name of your choice is already registered for someone else, you can't
have it.
Each
country has an organisation that manages the database of who legally
owns which domain names. Names ending with .uk are all catalogued by
Nominet. You could buy (the proper word is Register) a name directly
from Nominet, but hardly anyone does because you'd need your own web
servers and technicians to make it actually work.
You register a .uk domain name through one of Nominet's members such
as the company you dial for Internet or us, the owners of easisites.
The same applies for American domain names (they end with .com and .net)
- go through your Internet provider or ask us.