Summary: Discover the history, purpose, registry and restrictions of .com domain name extension. Get all the details you need to know about .com TLDs.

What is the Domain Name Extension?

The .com domain name extension is a top-level domain (TLD) in the Domain Name System (DNS) used primarily for commercial websites. It is one of the most widely recognized and popular domain extensions on the internet. The .com extension stands for “commercial” and was initially intended for businesses and commercial entities. However, over time, its use has expanded, and now it is commonly used for a wide variety of websites, including personal blogs, portfolios, and informational sites. The .com TLD is managed by Verisign, a global provider of domain name registry services and internet infrastructure.

Where Did This Domain Name Come From?

Domain names were created in 1985 when the National Science Foundation released the first set of domains. The first domains were .com, .edu, .gov, .mil, and .org. Since then, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has added many more domain name extensions, such as .info, .biz, and .tv.

What is the Purpose of This Domain Name?

The purpose of the .com domain name extension, like other top-level domains (TLDs), is to provide a recognizable and organized structure for internet addresses. Domain names help users easily find and access websites, and TLDs like .com help categorize and classify these websites based on their purpose or nature.

In the case of .com, it was initially intended for commercial websites, but its purpose has evolved to encompass a wide range of websites, including personal, professional, and informational sites. The .com extension has become synonymous with internet addresses, making it a popular choice for businesses and individuals seeking an easily identifiable and memorable online presence.

Additionally, TLDs like .com contribute to the overall stability and reliability of the internet by helping to distribute the management and regulation of domain names across different organizations and registries.

Who is the Registry, Including the Website URL?

The registry for domain names is VeriSign Global Registry Services (https://www.verisign.com/). VeriSign is responsible for managing the registration process for domain names, as well as resolving disputes between registrants and ensuring that all domain names are correctly registered and maintained.

Who Can Register This TLD?

Almost anyone can register a .com domain, including individuals, businesses, organizations, and non-profits. The registration process is straightforward and typically involves the following steps:

1. Choose a domain name: Before registering, you need to decide on a domain name that is unique, memorable, and relevant to your purpose. The domain name should not infringe on trademarks or copyrights, and it should comply with the domain name policies set by the registry.
2. Check availability: Use a domain registrar’s website or an independent domain search tool to check if your desired domain name is available. If the domain is already taken, you might need to consider alternative names or try a different domain extension.
3. Select a domain registrar: A domain registrar is an accredited organization that manages domain registrations. Examples of popular domain registrars include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Openprovider. You can compare prices, features, and customer reviews to choose the registrar that best fits your needs.
4. Register the domain: Create an account with the chosen domain registrar and provide the required information, such as your name, contact details, and payment information. Registrars usually offer various registration periods, ranging from one to ten years. Some registrars also offer additional services like domain privacy, email hosting, or website building tools.
5. Pay the registration fee: Complete the payment process to secure your domain name registration. Domain registration fees vary depending on the registrar and the registration period you choose. Some registrars offer discounts or promotions, so it’s a good idea to compare prices.
6. Set up domain name servers (DNS): After registering the .com domain, you need to configure the domain name servers (DNS) to point your domain to the hosting provider where your website is hosted. This process ensures that when someone types in your domain name, they are directed to the correct server where your website files are stored. The DNS settings can be managed through the domain registrar’s control panel. If you’re using a separate hosting provider, they will typically provide you with the necessary DNS information to input in the registrar’s control panel.
7. Wait for DNS propagation: DNS propagation is the process of updating the DNS settings across the internet, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours or more. During this time, your domain might not be accessible worldwide. Once the propagation is complete, your domain name will be fully functional, and users will be able to access your website using the registered domain.

When registering a domain name with VeriSign Global Registry Services, it is important to make sure that the domain name does not infringe on any trademarks or copyrights. Additionally, some domains may require additional verification before they can be registered. Other restrictions may include geographic restrictions, age requirements, and restrictions on the types of websites that can be associated with a particular domain name.