When you first registered your domain or set up your website, you may have come across the term DNS, or Domain Name System. But what exactly is DNS, and why does it matter so much? Think of DNS as the internet’s address book. It translates easy-to-remember domain names, like example.com, into the numerical IP addresses that computers use to locate websites. Without DNS, you’d need to remember a string of numbers to visit your favorite sites, send emails, or stream your favorite shows.
Why is DNS So Important?
In the early days of telephones, you had to memorize phone numbers or keep them in a physical directory. Today, our smartphones store these numbers for us, linking them to contact names. Similarly, DNS links domain names to their corresponding IP addresses, making it simple to navigate the web.
Imagine if, instead of typing “google.com” into your browser, you had to remember and enter “142.250.64.78” every time. That’s where DNS comes in—it simplifies our online experience by handling the complex process of matching domain names to IP addresses.
How Does DNS Work?
Whenever you enter a web address into your browser, a process called a DNS query begins. This query’s goal is to find the IP address linked to the domain name you’ve entered, allowing your browser to display the correct website.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the DNS process:
- The Query: It all starts when you type a domain name, like “example.com,” into your browser. Your browser sends a request to find the IP address associated with that domain.
- Root Servers: The query first reaches one of 13 root servers around the world. These servers don’t hold all the answers but know where to look next—towards the TLD (Top-Level Domain) nameservers.
- TLD Nameservers: The TLD is the last part of a domain name, like .com or .net. Each TLD has specific nameservers that store the DNS information for domains within that TLD. The query is directed to these nameservers to find out which server holds the information for the specific domain.
- Domain Nameserver: Finally, the query reaches the domain’s own nameserver, which contains a zone file with various DNS records. The most crucial of these is the A record, which maps the domain name to an IP address.
- The IP Address: The nameserver sends back the IP address to your browser, allowing it to retrieve and display the website.
It’s worth noting that DNS can sometimes take different paths, and updates can take up to 48 hours to be reflected globally.
What Are Nameservers and Why Might You Need to Change Them?
Nameservers play a crucial role in directing your DNS query to the correct location. If you ever need to change your nameservers, it usually means you’re moving your DNS management to another provider. For example, if you’re using GoDaddy’s default nameservers, your DNS zone file is managed through your GoDaddy account. Changing to another provider’s nameservers will move your DNS management to that provider.
Managing Your DNS Settings
Now that you have a basic understanding of DNS, you can manage your DNS settings in your GoDaddy account. Here are some common DNS tasks you might need to perform:
- Connect Your Domain to a Website: By editing your A record, you can point your domain to the IP address of your website.
- Set Up Domain Forwarding: If you want your domain to redirect to another website or social media page, you can set up domain forwarding.
- Manage Email Delivery: Ensure your emails are routed correctly by setting up the proper MX records.
- Create a Subdomain: If you’re launching an online store or blog, create a subdomain that points to a specific IP address or another domain.
- Change Nameservers: Move your DNS zone file to another provider by updating your nameservers.
Most DNS changes take effect within an hour, but it may take up to 48 hours for global updates.
Need Help?
Managing DNS can seem daunting at first, but there are plenty of resources available to help. From detailed help articles to video tutorials, and the GoDaddy Guides ready to assist you, you’ll have the support you need to manage your DNS with confidence.
Start Managing Your DNS
Now that you know what DNS is and how it works, you’re ready to dive in and manage your DNS settings. Whether you’re connecting a domain to a new website or setting up email forwarding, DNS is your gateway to a smooth online experience. Ready to get started? Begin your online journey with GoDaddy’s intuitive tools and resources.