The DNS server is a computer used to match domain names with IP addresses. Get insights on how DNS servers work and how to use them.
DNS servers, or domain name servers, are computers. Their role is to change the name of a website into the proper IP address. All websites are identified by the IP addresses. As these addresses are number based, they are difficult to remember. The domain name server matches the names in a table with the addresses.
dns server
Advantages and Benefits
Simply put, domain name servers make it easier to browse the Net. If the server does not match the number and names, Web navigation will be close to impossible.
How the Server Works
Suppose you type a Web address in a browser. The request will be sent to the domain name server. The server will convert the name to an IP address. If that isn’t possible, the request will be relayed to another server. There are more than 10 million domain name servers on the Net.
Find a Domain Name Server
It is very easy to find what server your computer uses. Click Start and select Run. Type “cmd” in the dialog box. A window will appear. Type “ipconfig/all”.
The command line will show you a lot of data. Search for the line that states DNS server…You will see the IP address on the right of the server.
If the server is statically set, go to your Windows desktop. Right click My Network Places. Choose Properties. Right click the active network. Choose properties.
Double click the TCP/IP properties Internet protocol. A window will pop up. The DNS settings and IP addresses will be shown.
How to Configure Domain Name Servers
Step 1
Click Start and click Control Panel.
Step 2
Click Network Connections. Double click your connection. Select Properties. A list of installed network components will appear. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4”. Select Properties from the options.
Step 3
Press the “General” tab. Choose “Use the following server address.” Type the two servers you have to utilize. Click OK. Close all the windows.
Tips and Warnings
While most of these are secure, many of them are susceptible to hacking. If the server is hacked, the user will be redirected to another website. If your network has been hacked, you should report the incident to the network administrator immediately.
To back up the domain name server settings in Windows, click Start. Click Run. Type in “cmd”. Click OK. Type “ntbackup backup systemstate”. Press the Enter key. This will back your domain name server settings.
If the server is not configured properly, problems with domain names will occur. Usually, your service provider will configure the server for you. This is done through a gateway or switch.
These facts about DNS servers show how important they are in computing. By knowing how they work, problems can be avoided.
