On the internet, a website address or domain name is a unique name that identifies a specific what?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Website or web resource hosted under that domain

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Every time we type a website address into a browser, we use a unique name known as a URL or domain name. Basic computer awareness and internet related exams often include questions that check whether learners understand what exactly this address identifies. It is important to know that a website address is a human readable identifier that maps to a specific website or web resource, not to a browser program or device directly.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The term website address refers to a URL such as https://www.example.com or a domain name like example.com.
  • We assume a basic client server model in which browsers request resources from web servers using these addresses.
  • The address must be unique on the public internet at the domain level.
  • The question aims at conceptual understanding, not the full technical details of DNS.


Concept / Approach:
A website address or URL tells the browser where to locate a specific website or resource on the internet. The domain portion of the address is registered uniquely so that it maps, via the Domain Name System, to one or more IP addresses of web servers hosting the site. When a user enters a website address, the browser connects to the server associated with that address and requests the content. Therefore, the unique name is associated with the website or web resource, not with the browser or a local device.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Think about typing www.curioustab.com into a browser. This name does not identify the browser itself, but tells the browser where to go. Step 2: The domain curioustab.com is registered on the internet and points to the hosting server where the website content is stored. Step 3: The browser uses DNS to translate the human readable name into an IP address and then requests the website. Step 4: Thus the unique website address identifies the website or web resource that lives under that domain. Step 5: Check option d, which states that the address identifies a website or web resource hosted under that domain. Step 6: Confirm that other options talk about links, devices, or browsers, which are not uniquely identified by website addresses on the public internet.


Verification / Alternative check:
As a quick check, imagine changing the browser application on your computer. Whether you use Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, typing the same website address still leads to the same site. This shows that the unique name does not belong to the browser. Similarly, two different devices can access the same website using the same address, which shows that the name does not uniquely identify a device. Instead, it consistently points to the same website hosted on the server side.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a is wrong because a hyperlink is an element inside a document and may point to many different URLs; the concept of a unique website address refers to the URL itself, not a particular link instance. Option b is incorrect because PDAs or other personal devices are identified in networks by IP addresses or hardware identifiers, not by web domains. Option c is wrong because the browser is software on the client, and multiple browsers can use the same website address; the address does not identify any specific browser application.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse URLs with hyperlinks, thinking that the clickable text is the address itself, although it may simply label the address. Another pitfall is thinking that a website address is tied to a particular computer rather than to a hosted service. In reality, websites may move between servers while keeping the same domain name, because DNS can be updated to point to different IP addresses. Understanding that the website address is a unique identifier for the website or resource simplifies many basic networking concepts and exam questions.


Final Answer:
Website or web resource hosted under that domain.

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