A domain is an easy-to-remember address on the internet. It helps people find your website and contact you. Examples include edis.at, wikipedia.org and youtube.com.
Computers and servers use IP addresses to communicate. The Domain Name System (DNS) links domain names to technical information such as IP addresses, so you do not have to remember a long string of numbers.
In edis.at, “edis” is the name at the second level, known as the second-level domain. “.at” is the top-level domain or domain extension.
The full web address in your browser’s address bar is called a URL, for example https://www.edis.at.
Registration gives you the exclusive right to use the domain name for the agreed term. It does not make you the permanent owner of the name.
A registration often runs for one or two years and can be renewed. Many providers renew domains automatically to prevent accidental loss.
Domain holders can transfer their usage rights, change registrar or cancel the domain under the agreed terms. After deletion, the name may become available for someone else to register.