A Very Basic Explanation of How DNS Works: When you visit a domain such as www.BITSNow.com, an application on your computer follows a series of online steps to turn the human-readable web address into a machine-readable IP address. This happens every time you use a domain name, whether you are viewing websites, sending email or using other online tasks.
Every Domain Name is stored on a server with the Registrar and this is where the Domain Name System (DNS) comes in. Your Domain Name needs to "Point" to the IP address of your website and/or eMail server. Pointers are called "A Records". Also, MX Records are for Mail Servers using your Domain Name.
Your Registrar controls to where your Domain Name is pointed and many provide an online management console so you can make changes whenever you want to. This is important so you can have control over the "timing" of a change. A business, as an example, would want to make changes during a time of minimum visits to their website.
The "Primary" A Record is pointed to the IP Address of your Web Hosting service's server and a "receiver" is set in that server for your Domain Name. It's just that simple.
For eMail, another A Record is pointed to your POP mail server's IP address and you also create another DNS record for the Sub Domain Name of the POP server. This is easier than it sounds and if your eMail is with the Registrar of your Domain Name, this will be done for you.
Over the years, I have used nine (9) different Registrars and below are my favorites with reasons why:
GoDaddy - Domain Registration is about $10.00 per year - Transfer a domain to GoDaddy and get one year Registration (or extension) FREE - Registration includes one Free eMail account and Free Basic Web Hosting. Their DNS Management Console is easy to use and changes propagate in 15 - 20 minutes!
NetWork Solutions - Although NWS is a lot more expensive than most, you get Free Telephone Support and DNS changes are the fastest in the industry - just a few minutes to resolve! This company was part of the evolution to "www." and has an insider's advantage. NetWork Solutions could be for you if you're willing to pay a premium for "Timing" and get your DNS Changes done with Lightning Fast Propagation.
TRAP - (SAVE TIME & MONEY By Choosing Your Registrar Wisely): Your Registrar should not be your Web Hosting Service unless they also provide an ONLINE DNS Management Console! With few exceptions, If you have to call in DNS changes by telephone, it can take 12 to 24 hours for the change to resolve! Most Web Hosting service providers use a Domain Name "Wholesaler" and do not provide an online DNS Management Console for you, the end user. Registering your Domain Name with a re-seller costs more and the realistic result is slower DNS changes due to the multi-tier level, "call in" structure. Additionally, if you want or need to change your Web Hosting provider, it's cumbersome and time
consuming to change your Registrar too - It can take up to 10 days to transfer a Domain Name!
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