A domain name is a "unique" human-readable name used to identify and locate computers on the Internet. Internet domain names provide a system of easy-to-remember Internet addresses which are translated by DNS (Domain Name Servers) into numeric IP (Internet Protocol) addresses used by the Internet.
An Internet domain name is unique and allows you to have an "identity" on the Internet.
A domain name adds value to your Internet presence and is therefore of great value to your organisation. Remember domain names are not just for businesses or organisations - many people register names for their own personal use.
Domain names are used in a variety of contexts for identification, reference, and access to Internet resources. They can appear as components of Web sites' Uniform Resource Locators (URL, 'Web-address'), e.g. www.yahoo.com, electronic mail (e-mail) addresses after the customary '@' separator from the user's name, or as any other part of a syntax that describes an access method to a device or service in an IP network.
If you register a domain name you could be:
Web site address: http://www.your-domain-name.com Email addresses: name@your-domain-name.com
If you DO NOT register a domain name you would be:
Web site address: http://www.your-isp.com/users/your-name
Email addresses: your-name@your-isp.com