Database File
The file from which a primary master name server loads zone data.

Deactivation
The process of removing a domain name from the zone files for the top level domains. When a domain name is deactivated, the Domain Name System (DNS) will no longer have the information needed to resolve the domain name to its corresponding Internet Protocol (IP) number(s), effectively disabling the domain name as a tool for locating the related computers or organizations. Network Solutions refers to this status as being on "Hold." The domain name record, however, remains in Network Solutions' domain name database.

Dead Link
An internet link which doesn't lead to a page or site, probably because the server is down or the page has moved or no longer exists.

Deep Linking
Linking to content buried deep within a website. These links are referred to as "deep" because they are often two or more directories deep within a website.

Defaults
A pre-set way that a computer performs certain operations unless a user instructs it to do otherwise.

Delegate
To instruct a server in how to resolve a domain or sub-domain.

Deletion
The process of removing a domain name and its corresponding record from the Domain Name System (DNS) and InterNIC' domain name database. A deleted domain name cannot be used to locate computers on the Internet and will be made available for other parties to register on a first-come, first-served basis. A domain name may be deleted at the request of the domain name registrant, as a result of non-payment of fee, or due to circumstances particular to individual cases.

Direct Hit
A system which tries to measure the relevance of each site by noting which sites are clicked on most and how much time users spend in each site. HotBot uses Direct Hit in order to determine the search engine ranking of web sites. Teoma has now purchased the technology behind Direct Hit.

Directory
Searchable subject guide organized by topical subject or geographical region and consisting of web sites that have been reviewed and compiled by human editors. Directories are often provided as a browsable alternative to the searchable indexes of search engines. Examples: Yahoo!, The Open Directory Project and Looksmart are some of the most popular directories on the web.

DNS - Domain Name System
The DNS plays a large role in making the internet what we know it as today. The DNS is a model for tracking other machines that contain web sites and their numeric IP addresses, then it translates the domain names (www.me.com into 243.290.93.210) from name to IP. When a domain name is purchased it is assigned an IP address by which it is recognized by other machines in the DNS server.

Domain Appraising
The process of evaluating a domain name and determining its market value.

Domain Host
See also web host. The business or registrar responsible for a domain name’s server and keeping their web site “live.”

Domain Name
Controlled by the world-wide orgainzation called ICANN, domain names are obtained on a first-come basis, and are used to identify your unique web site (For instance, www.yourname.com.) Most common are the suffixes: .com, .org, and .net. However there are a large number of new suffixes giving a lot more name options. A top level domain can be obtained by paying an annual registration fee to a domain registrar such as Register.com. Fees range from under $10 a year to $30 a year. Some web hosting providers such as iPowerweb.com offer a domain name as part of the monthly hosting fee.

Domain Name Dispute
Disputes that arise over conflicting positions as to who has the right to register a specific domain name. Disputes often occur when a domain name that is the same, or similar to, a valid registered trademark is registered by a party that is not the owner of the registered trademark. A central factor in domain name disputes is the fact that domain names at the same level of the hierarchy must be unique. You might want to consult InterNIC' Domain Name Dispute Policy.

Domain Name Registration
The first step in building a web site is registering a domain name. Whether you register your name with a registrar or your web host (who will register your domain name through a registrar for you) is merely a matter of convenience and preference. When a name is registered you are purchasing the right to the use of that name for the agreed amount of years at registration, usually 1-10 years. No one else may use that name with your specified extension (.com, .net) until you either let the name expire or you sell it to someone else.

Domain Servers
Domain Servers, or Domain Name Servers, play a large role in making the internet what we know it as today. The DNS is a model for tracking other machines that contain web sites and their numeric IP addresses, then it translates the domain names (www.me.com into 243.290.93.210) from name to IP. When a domain name is purchased it is assigned an IP address by which it is recognized by other machines in the DNS server.

Domain Transfer
A domain name once registered for 60 days with a registrar may be transferred to another registrar. This transfer means the new registrar will now maintain the pertinent information regarding the domain and the registrant.

Dot or "."
The top of the hierarchy or root in the Domain Name System (DNS).

Dropped Domain
A previously registered domain name whose registration was allowed to lapse by the original owner - often times because the registration fees went unpaid. A dropped domain is again available for registration by the public.

Dynamic Content
Content that is updated frequently and is fresh and relevant for its appropriate audience. Dynamic content can include content served as a flat HTML page that is updated many times a day, content that includes sophisticated Javascript or Shockwave for an interactive experience, or content that is generated from either a file-system or a database using server-side includes, CGI scripts, Java servlets, or an application server.