DNS Basics
At the heart of every online experience is a vital system known as DNS, or the Domain Name System. In simple terms, DNS serves as the internet's address book, guiding web browsers to the correct online destinations. But why do we need to know this, and how does it relate to managing your online presence?
DNS: A Translator of the Digital World
DNS is like the digital translator that allows us to access websites with ease. It performs the crucial task of converting the numeric IP (Internet Protocol) addresses of websites into human-friendly text URLs, which are known as Uniform Resource Locators (URLs). For instance, you could reach Coca-Cola's website by typing in its IP address (e.g., http://52.14.144.171), but it's far more convenient to use the user-friendly coca-cola.com.
Beyond web addresses, DNS also provides essential information about your domain through something called a DNS Zone File. This file contains details about your email service and other online tools and services directly related to your website.
Name Servers: The Address Lookups
Within the DNS system, there are components known as Name Servers. Think of them as the digital equivalent of address lookups. These servers inform web browsers about the precise online location of where your domain is hosted and facilitate the conversion from IP addresses to domain names that humans can understand.
Domain Name Registrars: Where Names Are Born
When acquiring a domain name, you typically do this through a domain name registrar. It's important to note that this registrar might be a different company from where your website is hosted. Just as your physical business location and the place where you registered or trademarked your business name can be distinct entities, the same applies to your website.
While we are changing your website's online location by transitioning it to our Amazon Web Services (AWS) environment, your domain name registration remains unchanged.
Our Transition Process
To host your website in our environment, we need access to your DNS Zone File, which allows us to add your site's information to our AWS infrastructure. After we've completed this step, we will provide you with new Name Servers that you'll need to update at your current domain name registrar.
It's important to understand that this transition will not affect what your site visitors see. All we've done is relocate your website to our hosting platform. The actual change to your new site will occur as we complete the building process.
When your new site is ready for launch, we'll make the final adjustments within AWS to switch from serving up your old site to your brand-new Boats Group property. This ensures a smooth and seamless transition for you and your website visitors.
In essence, DNS serves as the backbone of the internet, making it possible for all of us to navigate the online world effortlessly. So, the next time you type a web address into your browser, you'll know that behind the scenes, DNS is working tirelessly to connect you with your desired online destination.