For example, Mountain Comptuer Wizards owns the domain name: RockyMountains.net
We publish a web site at: www.RockyMountains.net
We control any e-mail addresses ending in @RockyMountains.net
Since we own that domain, we can have any e-mail addresses we choose such as webmaster@RockyMountains.net or Info@RockyMountains.net

In other words, we own the right to control RockyMountains.net including the right to choose what e-mail addresses are available on that domain name, what web sites are published on that domain name and which server on the Internet hosts that domain name.

What is a domain host?
Every Internet domain must reside on a computer (server) which is connected to the Internet all the time. Your domain host provides this service. Your host's server receives e-mail and makes your web site available to the Internet.

For example, Mountain Computer Wizards has several computers (servers) which are located in our office in Buena Vista and are connected to the Internet at all times. When someone on the Internet wants to send e-mail to one of our customers, our computers collect that e-mail and save it in the customer's mailbox until the customer checks their e-mail and downloads the messages to their own computer. When someone on the Internet wants to see a web site hosted by Mountain Computer Wizards, their computer sends a request to our computer which then provides a copy of that web site so that others can view it.

What is a domain registrar?
In order to assure that no two entities can register the same domain name, there is a big database containing all the domain names on the Internet. When you want to register a domain name, you must do so through one of the companies that is authorized to access and add names to that database. These companies are called domain registrars.

Originally, there was only one registrar, InterNIC, which was managed and controlled by Network Solutions. Now, there are many registrars for domain names. Mountain Computer Wizards uses Network Solutions, a VeriSign company.

Why does it cost $25 per year to own a domain name?
This fee is for the registrar for maintaining the database of domain names along with the information about who owns each domain and where each domain is hosted on the Internet.

Does domain name hosting include Internet access?
No. You must purchase Internet access such as dial-up, DSL or wireless service separately.