DNS
(the Domain Name System)
DNS, an abbreviation of the Domain Name
System (or Service or Server ), is a mechanism
of the internet that translates domain names
into IP addresses. Because domain names
are alphabetical, they're easier to remember.
The Internet however, is really based on
IP addresses . Every time you use a domain
name, therefore, a DNS service must translate
the name into the corresponding IP address.
For example, the domain name www.example.com
might translate to 198.105.232.4 .
It's a bit like a speed
dial on your phone. You might click a button
marked "Mother" but it gets translated
into 01234 567890 to make the call. Domain
names and IP addresses work in a similar
manner.
Moving Domains
& the Propagation Process
If you change your supplier of email or
hosting services you will need to get your
domain name pointed at a new IP address.
This is a simple procedure but when the
change is made a procedure called "propagation"
comes into play. This is a process whereby
the IP records of all the DNS servers in
the world need to be updated with the new
IP address your web name points at. It is
a general mechanism of the internet and
once it is started we have virtually no
control of how long it takes to complete.
This can take a few hours but it can drag
on for 24 or even 48 hours. If you need
to make such a change we will help you avoid
the worst of any disruption that can occur.
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