===
Before you delve into the technicalities of managing your website, it’s important to comprehend the fundamentals of Domain Name Servers (DNS). As a website owner or administrator, you may need to update your DNS settings at some stage. This might seem complex initially, but with a step-by-step guide, the process becomes much simpler. This article will walk you through the basics of DNS and offer a comprehensive tutorial on how to update DNS settings.
Understanding the Basics of Domain Name Servers (DNS)
DNS or Domain Name Servers function as the internet’s phonebook. They are primarily responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, which are numerical, and these IP addresses are used by computers to identify each other on the network. Simply put, the DNS ensures your web browser interacts with the correct server when you type a URL in the address bar. This system makes it convenient for users to remember and use domain names instead of complicated IP addresses.
Most importantly, every domain has a set of DNS servers that it refers to, known as its DNS settings. These settings are stored with your domain registrar (the company you bought your domain from), and they point your domain to the web hosting company that stores your website files. You might need to update these settings if you decide to switch your hosting service or if you wish to set up a professional email account, among other reasons.
DNS updates generally take 24-48 hours to propagate throughout the internet, but this duration varies depending on the domain registrar. This period, known as DNS propagation, can not be expedited. It’s important to plan any changes with this time frame in mind to prevent any interruption to your website’s availability.
Step-By-Step Guide on Updating DNS Settings
The first step in updating your DNS settings is to log into the account you have with your domain registrar. This could be companies like GoDaddy, BlueHost, Namecheap, among others. Navigate to the DNS settings or DNS Management page. The exact location of these settings varies by registrar but is generally located in the domain settings or similar section.
Once you’re on the DNS settings page, you will see a list of records. These might include A, CNAME, MX, TXT records, and more. You need to update your nameserver records, which might be labeled as NS or Nameservers. There should be two or more spaces where you can enter your new nameserver information. Replace the existing nameserver records with the ones provided by your new web host. After entering the new nameserver records, save or apply the changes.
Please note that the process may vary slightly depending on the system used by your domain registrar. If you’re unable to locate or change the nameserver records, it’s best to consult the help section of your registrar’s website or contact their customer support for assistance. Remember that after making changes, the DNS propagation may take 24-48 hours, so it’s key to be patient.
===
Understanding the Domain Name Servers (DNS) and knowing how to update DNS settings are crucial aspects of managing a website. This knowledge empowers you to control where your domain points to, which is especially useful when switching web hosts or setting up professional email services. While the process may seem daunting at first, with a systematic approach and a bit of patience during the propagation period, you can navigate this technical landscape with ease.
