What is a DNS Lookup?

DNS stands for domain name system, which is the database responsible for storing all of the information pertaining to IP addresses and domain names online. DNS servers are used to carry and transmit this data from one computer to another. All of this data is stored on a network that is backed up by thousands of separate DNS servers and stored on single root DNS servers in the United States, Japan, London and Sweden.

These servers carry tremendous volumes of data, and every day, the network is growing. Fortunately, there is a way to conduct a DNS lookup to obtain some of this data for whatever reason you see fit. The following information outlines the process of conducting a DNS lookup and some of the reasons why people usually use DNS lookup services.

WHOIS Database

The database previously mentioned that stores all of the DNS records of the world is called the WHOis database and can be searched through several different web sites. The main site for WHOIS lookups is Network Solutions, Inc.'s site (a company that is partially responsible for maintaining the records). Whois.net is also commonly used to obtain domain registration details and DNS records.

Unfortunately, there is no way to verify whether the information you find in the WHOis database is accurate or truthful, as there are no requirements for providing authentication of data when registering a domain name. In other words, anyone can register practically any site they would like in any name, with any address, with the exception of government or military sites.

Nonetheless, many times, the WHOis database will return enough information to proceed with your investigation.

Preventing Spam

One of the reasons why people use the WHOis database to look up information is to prevent spam attacks from a particular web server or IP address. When your site is attacked by spam repeatedly, it is possible to obtain the IP address(es) of the attackers and then use a reverse DNS lookup tool to obtain site registration information of that IP address (if there is any).

It is important to note that these reverse lookup tools differ from the conventional WHOis searches because you are obtaining information based on the IP address, instead of an actual domain name. It may be very difficult to obtain the identity of the spammer, but it is possible to contact their web host and have them shut down if the right information is obtained from the reverse lookup service.

Maintaining Site Security

Even more violent than spam is the dreaded DDoS attack , which is basically a security attack on your web site from dozens or even hundreds of IP address simultaneously. The DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack in particular is geared towards causing your server to crash due to an overload of fake traffic in a short period of time. However, some hackers will use the same method to guess your site's passwords by repeatedly sending requests until the correct password is retrieved.

If you notice an unusual amount of traffic suddenly, then you may want to conduct a reverse DNS lookup and get to the root of it before it becomes a problem, especially if the traffic is originating from a group of similar IP addresses.

Read More

Types of DNS Servers

A DNS (Domain Name System) server, also known as a name server, is a web server that is specifically designed to connect with a massive database that stores all information about domain names and their corresponding DNS records. These records include the registrant of the domain, the web host, active nameservers and other information.

A domain name's DNS servers are listed in the WHOis database and the web hosting control panel, and appear as NS1.NAMESERVER.COM and NS2.NAMESERVER.COM.

The Basics

There are thousands of DNS servers around the world that contain pieces of the database, but there are only 13 root DNS servers that contain the entire database on each server.

There are two types of DNS servers – primary and secondary. It is important to note, however, that any DNS server can be used as a primary or a secondary server, depending on the preference of the sever administrator. It is even possible to have the same server be a primary server for one zone and a secondary server for another.

If you're interested in learning more about primary and secondary DNS servers, then you may want to consider the following information.

Primary Master DNS Servers

A primary master name server reads data for the domain zone from a file located on the web server of the hosting account. This server usually also sends information to the secondary server as well.

Zone data is the information specified by the server administrator that tells the server how to behave and communicate with other servers. When a primary server communicates with a secondary server, it is called a zone transfer because zone data is being transferred from one DNS to another.

Two DNS servers are assigned to each domain to make administration easier and provide more security than just a single server. Once zone data has been created for a primary server, it does not need to be copied over to the secondary server because the two servers automatically share zone data.

Secondary DNS Servers

A secondary DNS server, also called a slave server or simply a slave, receives zone data from the primary server automatically after starting. In Microsoft's DNS manager software, secondary DNS servers are referred to as secondaries. Every time a secondary server functions, it requests information from its master server.

It is important to note that a secondary server does not need to pull data form a primary server because another secondary server can be set up as the master server.

Secondary DNS servers are just as important as primary servers because they provide security in the form of redundancy. They also lessen the load placed on the primary server and ensure that there is always a server working to deliver data. By diversifying the administrative structure of domain name servers, the security of web sites and the internet in general is ensured.

Read More

The Difference Between DNS and Name Servers

The DNS (Domain Name System) is a massive network of servers that comprises the largest digital database on the planet. This database is maintained, managed and regulated by several internet authorities, including the IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) and ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).

Many people confuse the various terms associated with the DNS and mistakenly refer to them as either the same thing or completely separate entities. In truth, they are neither separate nor are they the same thing; rather, they are integral pieces to the puzzle that is the world wide web.

If you're interested in learning the difference between a DNS and a name server, then you may want to consider the following information.

What is the DNS?

Contrary to a seemingly popular misconception, DNS does not stand for Domain Name Server or Domain Name Software. DNS is an abbreviation for the aforementioned system that catalogs every domain and IP address on the internet, including registration information, as well as their relation to other domains and web hosts. The DNS is the central database of the internet, and without it, the internet would cease to exist as we know it.

Before the domain name system was devised, computers would connect to each other via IP addresses, which are strings of segmented numbers separated by dots. An example of an IP address would be 127.0.0.1 (a common IP address for a local router). The domain name system attaches a name to this number so that site visitors can easily remember and return to web addresses.

What is DNS Software?

DNS software is a program that is installed on a web server and used to facilitate the transference of data related to the domain name system. Technically, any web server can have DNS software installed on it, making the server a name server; however, some web hosts will not allow you to install or configure software within your hosting control panel, especially in shared hosting plans.

If you’re interested in installing DNS software on a web server to create a custom nameserver, you'll either need a VPS or dedicated hosting plan, unless you'd like to invest several thousand dollars in a private web server.

What is a Name Server?

A name server is a web server that has DNS software installed on it, particularly a server that is managed by a web host that is specifically designated for managing the domain names that are associated with all of the hosting provider's accounts.

Name servers are often called DSN servers as well, and this is likely the origin of all of the confusion associated with name servers and the DNS.

Every web site has two name servers to which it is pointed, and this process must be done by the webmaster upon purchasing a domain and a hosting account. If you have more questions about domain name pointing and your web hosting name servers, it is recommended that you contact your web hosting provider.

Read More

The Benefits of Country Code TLDs

A TLD (top-level domain), or domain name extension, is basically the letters that appear after the main part of the domain name. For example, in the domain name “domain.com,” the TLD would be .com.

Choosing the right TLD can have a substantial impact on the search engine ranking and subsequent popularity of your site, and once it has been chosen, there is no way to change it other than buying a new domain, which is why it is important to make the right decision the first time around.

What are Country Code TLDs?

Country code TLDs, also referred to as ccTLDs, are domain extensions that are specific to a particular nation. There are a variety of benefits to using a country code TLD, most of which are listed below. If you’re interested in receiving targeted traffic or opening a web site for your local business, then you may want to consider the following information.

Local Targeting

Perhaps the most notable advantage of country code TLDs is the fact that you can target traffic form specific areas of the world. This is possible because search engines return different results depending on the IP address of the person searching. When the results are returned, there will be many local results shown on the first page. For example, if a person in India visits the Google web site, they will be brought to Google.co.in, which is the Indian version of Google.

Any web searches they conduct will be far more likely to return sites with the .co.in TLD than with a .co.uk TLD. However, it is important to note that .com domains and other regular TLDs will still be the predominant search results, regardless of the country in which the search is being executed.

If you own a local business and you would like to attract targeted traffic to your site within that area, then you will need to choose the appropriate country code TLD. Aside from using a country code TLD, you can also list your site in local business directories online to enhance targeted traffic levels.

Better Domain Names

Another benefit of country code TLDs that is often overlooked is the fact that there is a wider selection of premium domain names available within the country code TLD database. This is because the conventional .com, .org and .net domains are all extremely saturated, and most all of the good names have been taken. Most people don’t realize that it is possible to register a domain name with a foreign country code TLD that is very similar to another site's domain name, as long as it is not in violation of copyright laws.

For example, instead of trying to purchase domainnames.com, which is certainly not be available, it may be wiser to try and purchase domainnames.com.au (the Australian version). Although this would only give you access to the Australian market, you could repeat the process with the same domain name for every available country code TLD, registering domainnames.co.uk and so on until you have targeted a decent amount of countries.

Read More

How to Create a Name Server

When you purchase a web hosting plan, you are given two name server address that you must input into your domain registrar’s hosting account in order to point your domain to the web server you are leasing. After doing this, you can log back into your hosting account and then confirm ownership of the domain, thereby associating the domain with your hosting account for easy management. A Name Server will appear as NS1.NAMESERVER.COM and NS2.NAMESERVER.COM and is issued by your hosting provider within the control panel of your hosting account.

The addresses of your name servers are publicly displayed within the WHOis database for anyone to see, unless you opt for private registration. If you made the mistake of not opting for private registration, it is possible to create your own name servers to at least conceal the identity of your web hosting company.

If you own an online business and you want to portray professionalism, then creating your own name servers can help you appear more independent than you actually are.

If this sounds interesting to you, then you may want to consider the following information about creating your own name servers.

Installing DNS Software

The first step in creating your own name server is installing DNS software on your web server. It is important to note that some hosting accounts, especially those that operate in the shared hosting environment, will not allow you to do this, and the best type of hosting plans to do this is with dedicated hosting or VPS hosting.

In order to install the DNS software, you also need to have access to the server's root, and most shared plans do not allow this, but in some cases, the hosting provider will make an exception.

Before going through the hassle of finding the right DNS software, it is important to check with your web host to make sure you're able to perform the aforementioned actions.

Obtain IP Addresses and a Domain

You'll also need access to at least two IP addresses within your hosting account, which is important to note because this is usually only offered with dedicated or VPS hosting plans. However, it is possible to purchase additional IP addresses from the hosting provider if your plan currently only includes one. If the hosting provider will not sell you an additional IP address, then you will need to change hosting plans.

You'll also need a domain name to associate with your name servers. This can be the domain that you are currently using, or you can purchase an additional one especially for this purpose.

Adding the New Name Servers to the Control Panel

Although this process generally differs depending on the hosting provider and the type of DNS software you’re using, most people can do it without any previous training. Simply by visiting your hosting provider’s control panel, you can add new name servers.

You'll need to choose the name of your name server, which will be added as a subdomain before the domain name of the name server. For example, you can choose dns1.nameserversite.com or ns1.nameserversite.com.

Then, it is as simple as walking through the steps outlined in the name server portion of your control panel. You will add the name you have selected for your name server, and with a few clicks, the process will be completed.

However, if your hosting control panel does not contain a name server section, then your hosting provider may need to assist you with the configuration.

Read More

How to Choose the Right TLD for Your Domain

Choosing the right TLD (top-level domain) or extension for your web site can be a difficult process, especially when the .com version of the domain name is not available. Most people tend to look for a .com site before progressing on to other ideas as an alternative when they are unable to find a good .com domain. This, however, is not always the best way to choose a TLD because there are many available, and each one has its own intended purposes.

For someone that does not understand these uses or the sheer variety that is available, it can be easy to skip the TLD selection and choose the first domain that comes to mind. It is important to note that this decision cannot be reversed, so the right TLD should be chosen initially by using the following tips.

Determine the Purpose of the Site

Before selecting a TLD for your site, it is important to consider the desired purpose of your site. Will it be a commercial site that sells products (.com/.biz), or will it be a site that represents an organization or an idea that you would like to promote(.org)? Is it going to be a personal blog about yourself and your family life (.me)? Or will it be an informational site that educates people about a particular topic(.info)? Maybe you would like to create a mega network site that embodies all of these concepts and links them together(.net)?

Deciding what your site will be used for is the best way to begin the TLD selection process, however it is important to realize that you can technically choose any TLD you'd like, even if the purpose of the site does not suit your selection.

Consider Local Targeting

Do you want your site to attract local visitors that are geographically located in your area of the world? If so, you may need to consider the benefits of country code TLDs, which allow you to better target your site's audience and therefore improve your business or personal outreach.

There are currently over 200 country code TLDs, which means you should not have a problem finding one in your area. Some of the more common TLDs are .us (United States), .co.uk (United Kingdom), and .com.au (Australia).

Country code TLDs usually cost about the same as a conventional .com site, which makes them a suitable option for any aspiring webmaster.

Consider Search Engine Optimization

Before selecting your TLD, it is best to consider the SEO aspects of the prospective TLDs. Some domain name extensions are more likely to rank highly in the search engines than others, which is why most people select a .com domain. Surprisingly, even the commonly used $1 .info TLD has the potential to rank in the top position in the search engines.

In theory, every TLD can rank number one with the right search engine optimization practices, and most people don't realize that the only reason why .com is ranked at the top most frequently is because it is the most popular domain TLD.

Read More

When to Use Domain Forwarding

Having a web site with a popular name is a great way to gather residual web traffic with minimal effort. Unfortunately, most people don't realize that they can double this effect through the practice of domain forwarding, which is a grossly underused and highly effective tactic that has many uses.

Domain forwarding is also known as URL forwarding. It is a practice often utilized by advanced webmasters, but can be easily done by anyone with a web hosting account, a web site and basic technical knowledge.

The following information outlines the process of using domain forwarding, including how it is done and what benefits it provides for certain situations.

Changing the Name

Most people are quick to choose the name of their first web address because they are excited to begin their endeavors on the world wide web. Unfortunately, after the name has been chosen, there is no way to change it, so you'll have to live with it forever unless you buy a new domain name, or so is the common misconception. Obviously, the best way to avoid this would be to be very careful when selecting a domain name for your site. After the fact, the only option left is domain forwarding.

Some webmasters that are new to search engine optimization would simply buy a new domain name and transfer their site's pages to the new site. If the search engines have already indexed the pages on the old site, the new site will be hit with a duplicate content penalty and rank poorly after the files have been transferred over. To avoid this dire situation, you can use domain forwarding within your control panel.

Extra Domains

Some people purchase large volumes domain names that are related to a specific niche and do not use them for an extended period of time. After letting the domains sit for a while, they decide to utilize them, but they don't want to go through the hassle of building multiple sites. If you still want to utilize those extra domain names in your niche, you can forward them all to the main domain name and then begin advertising the extra domains across the internet.

Domain forwarding can also be a useful tactic if the extra domains contain keywords, as it is possible to get these domains to rank highly in search engines before forwarding them by simply adding a bit of content to them and waiting a few weeks. After each domain has built up a small amount of backlinks and PR, you can then forward these domains to the main site to increase search engine traffic for a short period of time and utilize the additional domains without having to completely construct all of the sites.

URL Redirection

URL redirection is very similar to domain forwarding, except instead of forwarding the entire domain, you can forward a specific page on a domain to another page within the same domain. This is incredibly useful if you've recently moved content or rearranged the structure of your site. URL redirection and domain forwarding are two tactics that every webmaster should learn and utilize at some point in their career.

Read More