What is DNS Management?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. This is a service that translates domain names into IP addresses. This is due to the way that computers work. A domain name such as domain.com is easier to remember than an IP address (e.g. 194.154.164.196).
You would need to use the DNS if you have a domain name that is not currently pointing to the correct place. For example, you have a domain name with VirtualCorp and you need to point it to a hosting package with another provider; you would then need to make changes in your DNS to ensure that your domain name is pointing to the correct place.
DNS records are stored in a zone file; this is where your record information is stored for your domain to point to the correct server or mail server. Some of the different types of records used are below:
- A records also known as Address record are used to point a domain name or subdomain name to a specific web space using an IP address.
- CNAME records also known as a Canonical name record are an alias to another name. For example, The CNAME for www.domain.com could be domainname.com. This means that when you go to www.domain.com it will check the DNS records for domainname.com and point you there.
- TXT records are used to add arbitrary text into a DNS record. This is usually used to add extra rules or formatting to the domain.
- SPF records also known as Sender Policy Framework record. This is an e-mail validation system.
- MX records also known as a mail exchanger record are used to direct email to the correct mail server.