Understanding DNS, or Domain Name System, is like decoding a secret language that connects your website to the rest of the internet. This translation process is crucial because it ensures that when someone types in your domain name, they are directed to the right platform seamlessly. Let’s break it down.
Your domain name(s) live at a REGISTRAR
The primary jobs of the registrar :
- Purchase/Renew/Keep Safe your Domain names
- Assign the NAME SERVERS (see next section)
Examples of Registrars: GoDaddy, Name Cheap, Network Solutions there are 100’s of registrars you can choose from.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to keep your domain name payment and billing email updated to avoid losing your domain.
Wherever the NAME SERVERS point, is where all the DNS instructions live
DNS instructions tell the domain where to point the email and website along with other misc settings for authorizations to use the domain
DNS types: MX (mail), A (website), TXT, DKIM, SPF, DMARC
To add to the confusion…..
You can use the SAME company as a registrar, name server, website and email host OR ANY COMBINATION of different companies for each.