DNS Understand the function of a Domain Name Server DNS and how to register a domain name'

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DNS -- Understand the function of a Domain Name
Server (DNS) and how to register a domain name.

• By Wesley K. Wehrli

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Domain Name System

• (Domain Name System) A system for converting host
  names and domain names into IP addresses on the
  Internet or on local networks that use the TCP/IP
  protocol. For example, when a Web site address is
  given to the DNS either by typing a URL in a
  browser or behind the scenes from one application
  to another, DNS servers return the IP address of
  the server associated with that name.

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How to Register a Domain Name

• If you are setting up your own Web server, you
  have to register directly with Network Solutions
  or one of the other accredited registration
  organizations. If an Internet service provider
  (ISP) is hosting your site, it may handle the
  registration for you.

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To find out if a Domain Name is taken

• To find out if a domain name is taken, two
  popular domain name registrars are Network
  Solutions www.netsol.com) and Go Daddy
  www.godaddy.com).

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Hierarchy

• The DNS system is a hierarchy of database servers
  that start with the root servers for all the top
  level domains (.com, .net, etc.). The root
  servers point to authoritative servers residing
  within ISPs and companies that resolve the host
  names to complete the name resolution. Using the
  example WWW.COMPANY.COM, COMPANY.COM is the
  domain name, and WWW is the host name. The domain
  name is the organization's identity on the Web,
  and the host name is the name of the actual Web
  server within that domain (see WWW). See DNS
  records, reverse DNS, DDNS, HOSTS file, mDNS,
  ping, root server and WINS.