What is a domain name?

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Updated: March 30, 2011

Applies To: Windows Home Server 2011

A domain name uniquely identifies your home server on the Internet. Domain names consist of at least two parts: top level domain name (TLD) and second level domain name. For example, in contoso.com “com” is the TLD and “contoso” is the second level domain name.

While you are away from home, you can use your domain name to access shared files on your home server or computers on your home network. You can also manage your server when you are away. For example, you register smithfamily99+.com for your home server. When you are away from home, you can open a Web browser on your laptop and type smithfamily99+.com in the address text box to connect to Remote Web Access Web Site that you set up on your Windows Home Server 2011 server. You can then play music on your laptop using the Web-based media player.