Pointer domains and redirects

What exactly is a pointer domain and how do you get one?

It's my understanding that it's a domain name that redirects to another site. Such as www.abcsite.com redirects to www.abcd.com, but anyone who types in either address will get to abcd.com - is that right?

Also, what is the difference between purchasing a domain name and registering one?

Thanks!

It is used when hosting more than one site on one account, usually with cpanel.
E.G. my site: http://www.alexgeek.co.uk is my main account.
I have another domain called nuclear-scripts.com.
This is located at: alexgeek.co.uk/nuclear/
The domain pointer tells http://nuclear-scripts.com to go to alexgeek.co.uk/nuclear/
but it will still appear as http://www.nuclear-scripts.com

Thanks! Do you know what the difference is between registering a domain and buying a domain name?

Also, in your example, wouldn't the "/nuclear/" just be another page on your website? Is it considered another website only because of the http://www.nuclear-scripts.com address?

And how do you get the one address to point or redirect to the other site? Is this a service your hosting company provides? Thanks!

interesting.. I never knew that,lol...

1. It's the same thing, you can not buy a domain name though, it's just a term used. You can rent it for as long as you like though which is the same as registering it.

2. Trying going to http://www.nuclear-scripts.com/forums/ you will find it redirects to nuclear-scripts. This is because my htaccess file redirects everything that doesn't have "www.nuclear-scripts.com" in the URL.
So the following are redirected:
http://www.alexgeek.co.uk/nuclear/
http://nuclear-scripts.com

it's quite confusing I admit, but I hope I explained well.

Not trying to interfear here but I'm glad I know this now. LOL

Thank you very much! That is good information!!

You're very welcome.