What is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is like a phone book for the internet. People type names such as example.com. Computers use numbers called IP addresses. DNS turns the name into the number.
A DNS record is one line in that phone book. A group of records for one domain is called a DNS zone. You edit the zone where your DNS is hosted. That is often your hosting control panel or your domain registrar.
The most common record types
| Type | What it does |
|---|---|
| A | Points a name to an IPv4 address, like 192.0.2.10 |
| AAAA | Points a name to a longer IPv6 address |
| CNAME | Makes one name an alias of another name |
| MX | Says which servers receive email for the domain |
| TXT | Holds text notes, often used for email safety and proof of ownership |
| NS | Says which nameservers control the domain |
Each type in simple words
A and AAAA
These work like a house address. The A record for www says which server holds your website.
CNAME
A CNAME is a nickname. For example, blog can be a nickname for another name. It must point to a name, never to a number.
MX
MX means Mail Exchanger. It works like the mail sorting office address. Each MX record has a priority number. The lowest number is tried first.
TXT
TXT records carry text. Two common uses are SPF and DKIM. SPF lists who may send email for your domain. DKIM adds a digital signature to your email. Both help keep your messages out of spam.
NS
Nameservers are the servers that hold your DNS zone. If you change them, you move your DNS to a new place.
How to change a record
- Log in to the place that hosts your DNS.
- Open the DNS or zone editor.
- Pick your domain.
- Add a new record, or click edit on an old one.
- Choose the type, type the name and the value.
- Save your change.
Wait for the change to spread
Every record has a TTL, which means time to live. It tells other servers how long to remember the old answer. Changes can take from minutes to many hours. Do not panic if it is slow.
Not sure which value to use? Ask Hostvento support.
Quick recap
- DNS turns names into numbers.
- A points to a server, CNAME is a nickname, MX handles email, TXT holds text, NS names the DNS servers.
- Edit records in the DNS zone editor.
- Back up the old records first, and allow time for changes to spread.