Domain Name Info

Domain names work by taking the domain name that you type into your browser (along with the "www" bit) or into your email program (with the "xxxx@" bit) and then go and find where that domain name resides to either serve you up a web page, or send an email to someone at that domain name.
When you buy a domain name, your details (name, company name, address, etc.) are recorded in the database along with the domain name, the date that you purchased the name and the date you will be due to pay a "renewal fee" for the domain name. Depending on how and through which company you bought the name initially, you will own the right to use the name for between 1 year and 10 years before you have to pay this renewal fee (each company has slightly different policies, so read the small print carefully when you register a domain name!).

Domain Registration Resources