Domain name service (DNS) is the system that converts human-readable names like joe.com into the numeric IP addresses that computers use to find websites.
When you type in the URL for a website, your computer looks up the domain name in DNS and sends the request to the appropriate server.
If you’re using a domain registered with your ISP, your DNS is probably handled by your ISP. If you’re using a domain registered with a third-party provider, like GoDaddy, you’ll need to set up your own DNS.
The process of setting up your own DNS is usually pretty simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you’ll need to identify your IP address. You can find this information by using a free service like IP Address Lookup or by using a tool like Network Tools.
Once you have your IP address, you’ll need to find the DNS servers that your ISP uses. Your ISP likely provides this information in a document called your ISP DNS Configuration.
Once you have your DNS servers, you’ll need to connect to them. You can do this by using a program like OpenDNS or by using the built-in DNS capabilities of most modern browsers.
Once you’ve connected to your DNS servers, you’ll need to configure them to use your new domain name. This process is usually pretty simple, but you may need to enter your domain name in a different format than what your ISP uses.
Once you’ve configured your DNS servers, you’re ready to start using your new domain name. Simply type the domain name into your browser’s address bar and hit enter.
You should be presented with the website that corresponds to your domain name.
