Internet addresses ending in ".pdf" or ".mp3" could appear under a new proposal by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, while it likely would prohibit endings made entirely of numbers.

ICANN, the organization that oversees the domain-name system, concluded after study with developers that the only problem with extensions such as ".doc" or ".jpg" is the possibility that users could become confused. But it concluded it would be too hard to keep track of the popular extensions it should bar, so it will allow them, reports PC Pro.

It said, however, that numeric extensions such as ".123" could confuse browsers because the Web address could also be an IP address, notes an Associated Press story on MSNBC.

ICANN is taking feedback on security and operational issues related to the introduction of new domain names. Once it completes its criteria, companies and groups will bid on them.