Now that you have aquired web space, or are about to, how do you get to it?. You use the URL (Uniformed Resource Locater). All websites have a URL. This is the address you need to enter into your browser to access your website.

Examples of browsers include Netscape or Internet Explorer. You can also access the web through ISP's (Internet Service Providors). Examples of ISP's are AOL, Earthlink, MSN, and Compuserve, etc.

Literally, there are hundreds, maybe even thousands of ISP's out there. Typically, most ISP's have an underlying browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer.

Are you ready for this? The URL for this site is: http://www.summitpath.net/sncwebdesign/index.html.

Luckily, there is an easier way other than remembering this long and sometimes very complicated Website address or URL.

The Domain Name is a shortened address that is usually a lot easier to remember. Family, friends and especially clients will typically remember these names without having to go to their address books. And many times their address book may not even be available or they might not even have an address book or they might have forgotten to put your address in it. So then what do they do?. Most likely, give up!

For example, the domain name for this website is: SNCwebdesign.com.

Most browsers will automatically add the http://www to the address so if you just type SNCwebdesign.com into your browser, you should get to my website.

These domain names need to be registered and usually need to be URL-forwarded. But the tricky part is to come up with a name that makes sense and is not already taken.

Unfortunately, you cannot just buy these names. They are yours as long as you pay for them. Typically on a minimum 1 year basis. Domain names usually cost less than $40 per year to use these names and to get the URL-forwarding. URL-forwarding is a method that lets the domain name know what true URL the domain names are supposed to go to.

I recommend that you start thinking about domain names as soon as you think you might need a website. Coming up with the best domain name can take a lot of thinking. Some domain names that are a bit unique can be easily secured. But most common names are already taken.

I suggest you make a list, and put it in order of the most desired to the least desired names you would be willing to accept. Generally, shorter names are best since they are easy to remember.

Once you come up with a good one, I recommend that you secure it right away. Domain names may be available now, but could be registered by someone else in a matter of minutes. Having a great domain name will keep you remembered by everyone who needs access to your website.

I can register domain names and find out which ones are already taken. I can also help you with picking a good domain name, too!