As information travels the 'Net, it is translated into a series of complex numbers. In that vein, when your Internet presence is established, we assign you a unique number, called an Internet Protocol (IP) Address, which allows other computers to easily find your site. Problem is, its long string of numbers makes it difficult for us mere mortals to remember. To simplify things, a governing agency called Internic provides a nickname for your address, called a domain name, which serves as a "Hello, My Name Is..." sticker for your IP address. All Internet Service Providers keep a regularly updated catalog of these name and number assignments, so that when a user types "www.whatever.com" into their browser software, they are directed to the appropriate IP address. Think of your IP address as your social security number and your Domain Name as your name. Rather than telling people, "I'm number 254-82-5421" you can say "I'm Chris Doe." (Er, um. Use your own name to appropriately appreciate this analogy.)