What is a domain and why do I need one?

Your domain is your Internet name.  It is the "sprandel.net" in http://www.sprandel.net.  Just like your telephone number is needed to contact you or your office, your domain is the address people need to reach your web site.  Every domain name can be registered to only one person.  They are available on a 'first come, first served' basis.  Available domain names are being purchased at an incredible rate by investors who seek to resell them to the companies whose names they bear.  Soon, nearly all short, accurate and easy to remember domain names will be available only from high-priced resellers.