ICANN
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is a nonprofit corporation charged with managing the assignment of domain names and addresses. Established in 1998 to assume responsibilities formerly held by the U.S. government, ICANN oversees the allocation of domain names, IP addresses, port assignments, and more. Learn more.
Internet
The Internet is a complex system of many interconnected computer networks that communicate with each other using a data transmission protocol called TCP/IP. The Internet is not the same as the World Wide Web; in fact, the Web is only part of the Internet, along with email, FTP, and other communication and data routes.
InterNIC
InterNIC is a web site run by ICANN that provides the public with information about domain name registration and related topics. From the InterNIC web site, located at http://www.internic.net/, you can review WHOIS and registrar information, learn more about domain name registration, and file complaints or error reports about registrar or WHOIS details.
IP address
An IP address is the unique address of a computer connected with the Internet. Much as your postal address provides a way for letters to reach you, your computer's IP address tells the Internet's networks where and how to send relevant requests and information, such as web pages or emails. IP addresses are strings of numbers (such as 207.151.159.3) that, with DNS, can be represented by easier-to-remember domain names.
ISP
Your ISP, or Internet Service Provider, is the company through which you gain access to the Internet, typically using a dial-up or broadband connection (a connection through your phone line or another dedicated data route from your home or office). Some ISPs might provide services such as email, disk space, or web hosting in addition to Internet access. Although Yahoo! Small Business includes these services and many more, it does not provide Internet access; you will need to continue service with your ISP to access the Internet and your Small Business plan.