Top Level, 2nd Level, 3rd Level? Please explain

[Dillpup]

Hello,I'm a relative newbie...Could someone explain the differences in TLD,second,and third level domains?
I was looking at a price list for .Name and the prices were drastically more expensive for a Third level .Name than second.
What determines what "level" a domain is?
Also,I know .Name isn't even that great,but if someone could advise on the absolute cheapest place to get them,I do have 2 in mind I would pick up if cheap enough.
Thanks for your help.

 

[Kodeking]

Found this: http://livinginternet.com/i/iw_dns_name.htm

 

[Anthony]

.name domains came out only as firstname.lastname.name (3rd level) but have since been opened up on the second level, ie- domain.name...

For the cheapest .name domains, try DomainSite.com or GoDaddy.com...

 

[biggie]

.name really is for vanity!

 

[RJ]

Understanding the levels is easy.

For instance this domain name

www.namepros.com

.COM is the TLD (top level domain)
NAMEPROS is the second level
WWW is the third level domain

Same is true for other domains like www.support.microsoft.com In that case, WWW is the fourth level domain, SUPPORT is the third level.

etc
etc

In the domain business, usually we're dealing with the sale and trade of second level domains. The TLD (or extension as its called) is an important part of course.
:D