What Is DNS? A Plain-English Guide for Business Owners
What does DNS actually do? It helps names reach the right services. This short video explains six points, with written steps and practical notes below.
1:47 · No narration: the video shows each step as text on screen, and every step is written out below, with buttons that jump the video to it.
Prefer YouTube? Watch this video on our YouTube channel (opens in a new tab).
The six points in the video
The video is silent. These are its on-screen headings, explanations and labels, followed by supporting notes.
-
Step 1: Start with a domain
Customers type a name they can remember.
On-screen labels: Your business name; A web address; A service to find.
A domain is a readable name. DNS helps software find services associated with that name without asking customers to remember an IP address.
-
Step 2: DNS supplies directions
It translates names into useful technical answers.
On-screen labels: Domain lookup; DNS records; Service destination.
Different DNS record types answer different questions. Finding the DNS provider is a useful first step when a supplier needs a record changed.
-
Step 3: Website records matter
A and AAAA records point to IP addresses.
On-screen labels: Website address; Hosting destination; Correct record type.
An A record supplies an IPv4 address; an AAAA record supplies an IPv6 address. Use the exact values supplied by the hosting provider.
-
Step 4: Email has its own route
MX records identify mail servers for your domain.
On-screen labels: Mail destination; Separate settings; Working inbox.
MX records identify the mail servers that receive email for the domain. Website hosting and email hosting need not use the same provider.
-
Step 5: Allow for cached answers
Resolvers can keep old answers until they expire.
On-screen labels: Stored answers; Record lifetime; Different update times.
A resolver can reuse a cached answer for its permitted lifetime. Results may differ during a change, so an update need not appear everywhere at once.
-
Step 6: Save and check changes
Record the old settings and test each service.
On-screen labels: Change notes; Website check; Email check.
Keep the old values and a note of the intended change. A successful website check alone does not confirm that email is still working.
A practical check for your business
Before a DNS change, save a record of the current settings, identify who is authorised to change them and agree a recovery plan. Afterwards test both the website and email. Do not remove unfamiliar records without finding out what they support.
Sources and further detail
Common questions
Does moving my website automatically move my email?
No. Website and email services can have different DNS records and suppliers. Check the planned changes and test both services.
Go further
More video tips
All 205 videos →
What Does HTTPS Protect? 6 Website Security Basics
Connection security, explained.
Website Backups: 6 Checks Before You Need a Restore
6 website backup checks.