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Introduction

If you are at this site you are already familiar with Internet Domain Names. The Internet Domain Name System simplifies how we remember and access information on the Internet. For instance, the address of the main web server at Stanford University is 171.64.14.237. This numerical address is easy for computers to manipulate; but are inconvenient and difficult-to-remember for human users. The Internet domain name system transforms these unwieldy IP numbers into easy-to-remember alphanumerical addresses.

Domain names have gained importance with the rise of the Internet. A good domain name is the equivalent of having a great "location" in the real world. Problems arise when several people or companies all claim a "right" to a the same domain name that can only be owned by one of them. For example: McDonald's, the fast food chain, and John McDonald of New York may both want ownership of McDonalds.com. The question is, who has the right to the domain name?

The goal of this site is explore issues surrounding the domain name system. Issues discussed include: who controls the domain name system, domain name conflicts and how they are resolved, and possible solutions to this complex problem. As the Internet continues to become an increasingly important part of the world, practices and procedures must to developed to assure fair treatment for all.