Canadian Webhosting Forums

[Teo]

DNS stands for Domain Name Server.

A domain name server is similar to a phone book. It tells the Internet programs (e.g. web browsers) where to go by translating the domain name into an Internet (IP) address. Every Internet Service Provider (ISP) has its own DNS servers. You need at least 2 DNS server names to specify who is hosting your domain or web site.

Where do I get information about the DNS server for my web site?
You will get the DNS information from your web hosting company welcome letter. The DNS information consists of letters and/or digits separated by periods (.). Example: NS1.ABCD.COM

[mattm948]

Great information. In addition to my host, are there other tools and/or websites that can provide this type of information?

[Teo]

Another good online link that allows you to perform a DNS lookup to check a hostnames current IP Address and other DNS information against a selection of random name servers around the world.

http://www.whatsmydns.net/

This is especially useful to check the current state of DNS propagation after making changes to your domain zones.

[mattm948]

Hi Teo,

Great info for this newbie. Thanks for the post.