A domain name is commonly used for web servers and email servers, which provide web hosting services and email services, respectively.

All hosts, such as web servers, that are connected to a network such as the Internet, have their own IP address.

Domain names are just a more convenient way to access a certain host. If you had to remember IP addresses instead of domain names it would make life a little more complicated.

For example, without domain names, to reach this website (or any other) you would have to remember the IP address 84.18.208.101, and type that into your browser instead of helpwithpcs.com.

DNS - Domain Name Server

When you type a domain name into your browser the name is looked up on what is called a domain name server (DNS), this server (or servers) points the browser to the IP address of the machine that is listed under that domain name.

DNS systems are typically administered by Internet service providers or web hosting companies. The DNS records which are stored by these systems are updated periodically, to reflect changes across the network. The amount of time between updates will vary from provider to provider.

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