What is a domain name ?
A domain name is a Web address. The domain name is mapped to an IP address (which represents a physical point on the Internet). Thus a domain name locates an organization or other entity on the Internet. When someone types a domain name into a Web browser, the requested Web page will open. For example, the domain name www.bighelp.com.au locates an Internet address for "bighelp.com.au." A domain name consists of a top-level and a second-level domain. The "com" part of the domain name generally reflects the type or purpose of the organization or entity and is called the top-level domain (TLD) name. The part of the domain name located to the left of the dot (" . ") — "yourithelp" in this case — is called the second-level domain (SLD) name. The second-level domain name — being the "readable" part of the address — refers to the organization or entity behind the Internet address. Second-level domain names must be unique on the Internet and registered with an Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers- (ICANN-)accredited registrar.

How do I find out if a domain name is available ?
The best way to tell if a name is available is to use one of the many WHOIS engines on the internet. There you can look up the Domain name & see if it is available if not you will see the contact details of that domain's current owner.

What can I do if the requested domain is unavailable?
If the domain name you requested is already taken you will be presented with any available alternatives (i.e. same second-level domain, but with a different extension). For example, you may be able to select a .info or .ws top-level domain, rather than the requested .com. Thus you would be registering www.whatever.info, instead of www.whatever.com. If none of the suggested alternatives are to your liking, you can start over again and search for a different domain for your future Web site.

Will my name and contact information be Made publicly available !
Information about who is responsible for domain names is publicly available to allow rapid resolution of technical problems and to permit enforcement of consumer protection, trademark, and other laws. The registrar will make this information available to the public on a "Whois" site. It is, however, possible to register a domain in the name of a third party, as long as the third party agrees to accept responsibility — consult your registrar for further details.

What does it mean to host a domain ?
Hosting (also known as Web site hosting and Web hosting) is the business of housing, serving, and maintaining files for one or more Web sites.