What is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is like a phone book for the internet. Computers find each other using numbers called IP addresses. Humans prefer names like yourdomain.com. DNS turns the name into the number.
DNS is the whole system. It is not one computer. It is many computers and rules working together.
What is a nameserver?
A nameserver is one computer inside that system. It stores the records for your domain. A record is a single fact, such as "this name lives at this IP address". When someone asks about your domain, the nameserver gives the answer.
An everyday comparison
Think of a library. DNS is the whole library system, with its catalog and rules. A nameserver is the librarian at one desk. She holds the details of certain books and answers questions about them.
Side by side
| DNS | Nameserver | |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | The whole naming system | A server that is part of it |
| Job | Turn names into IP addresses | Hold and give out your domain's records |
| How many? | One global system | Usually two or more for each domain |
| Can you change it? | No | Yes, at your domain registrar |
How they work together
- You type your domain in a browser.
- Your computer asks a DNS resolver. A resolver is a helper that does the searching for you.
- The resolver finds out which nameservers your domain uses.
- It asks those nameservers for the right record.
- The nameserver replies with the IP address.
- Your browser goes to that address and loads the site.
What can you change?
You can change the nameservers your domain uses. You can also edit the DNS records stored on them. Changing nameservers moves all your records to a new place. Editing a record changes one detail.
Quick recap
- DNS is the whole system that turns names into numbers.
- A nameserver is one server that holds your domain's records.
- Your domain points to nameservers. They hold the DNS records.
- Changes can take up to 48 hours to spread.