What does it take to get on the internet with your business, hobby or interest? This is just what I have been doing practically since the Internet started being used publicly.
Step 2: You need a DNS Server.
What is a DNS server you may ask. DNS stands for Domain Name Service. A DNS server uses the Domain Name Service to determine how to find you. It works a lot like a phone book. You know a person or business name, and you use the phone book to look up the phone number for that entity. Your Registrar ties your domain name to your selected DNS server. In most cases, the Registrar operates the DNS server and much of this can be transparent but in any case you (or your trusted IT professional) should have the capability to edit the records contained there. There are several record types such as an “A” record may contain the address of your website. An “MX” (Mail Exchanger) record will point to where your email should be delivered. “TXT” records can control features like identifying your domain to an external service, or security information like what servers are allowed to send mail for your domain. This can be very important if you want to use your domain name with an external mail system like Microsoft 365 for example.
Your Internet “Phone Number” is called an IP (Internet Protocol) address. Your web server will have an IP address assigned to it by the hosting company. That IP address must be placed in your DNS server in order for people to find your website. Your DNS MX record will point to the server that is setup to receive email for your domain name. I have operated many mail servers in the past. There are a lot of advantages to using a large company such as Microsoft 365 to manage your mail. I can help you sort out what is best for your situation.
In October 2024 we are offering a special consultation for only $55. You can ask all your questions and have them answered by an internet specialist with decades of experience. There is no obligation to purchase anything else, and you will learn how you can experience a presence on the Internet through your own website and email. Get all your questions answered. The only stupid question is the one you didn’t ask.
Click on the following links the other parts of this series.
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