What's the purpose of DNS?

[SHENGTON]

What's the purpose of DNS before we can connect to the Internet?

[Broni]

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/DNS.html

DNS

Short for Domain Name System (or Service or Server), an Internet service that translates domain names into IP addresses. Because domain names are alphabetic, they're easier to remember. The Internet however, is really based on IP addresses. Every time you use a domain name, therefore, a DNS service must translate the name into the corresponding IP address.

For instance, when you type in:
www.computerhope.com
DNS service will translate it to:
204.228.150.3
to find ComputerHope web page.

You can play with going back, and forth between domain names, and IP addresses, here:
http://www.whois.ws/

[SHENGTON]

How about in the DNS server addresses:



What are this Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS?

[Spoiler]

It trys the first one and if it can't get to it than it tries the alternet. Normally you have 2 DNS servers just so you have a back up.

[soybean]

It trys the first one and if it can't get to it than it tries the alternet. Normally you have 2 DNS servers just so you have a back up.

I believe his basic question is:

What's the purpose of DNS before we can connect to the Internet?

In other words, some computer users will have the option for "Obtain an IP address automatically" checked.  In such case, I believe the IP address and DNS server address boxes are left blank.  So, he's asking, in effect, what's the significance of having those boxes checked and having those addresses in the boxes?  At least, that's my take on this.

[Spoiler]

I agree soybean. That was his question and I think Broni answered that with his post. Than the question was expanded to include....

What are this Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS?

I than said one was tried first (the Preferred) and if it couldn't be reached than the alternate was tried to resolve the name.

Is something wrong with this answer?

[soybean]

I agree soybean. That was his question and I think Broni answered that with his post.

I don't agree that Broni answered the question SHENGTON really had in mind.  Broni answered what he thought SHENGTON had in mind but I think he missed the target.

Than the question was expanded to include....

What are this Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS?

I than said one was tried first (the Preferred) and if it couldn't be reached than the alternate was tried to resolve the name.

Is something wrong with this answer?

Again, I think you missed the target, too.  Your answer is too simple, and it's obvious. 

Here's where I'm coming from.  This is from my computer:


See the difference?  See what I mean now?

[SHENGTON]

@soybean
Yes that's what I mean sir soybean. Can you please help me with this sir? I want to learn more about this...Thanks!

[viking]

Read first broni's and spoiler's posts.

After you basically understand the little story of DNS usage, for your question I have an answer like this:
- there are computers on which you have to specify all IP settings (IP address, subnet mask, gateway, DNS servers etc)
-there are computers that receive ALL those settings or PART of the settings from a DHCP server (dynamic host configuration protocol server).

If the DHCP server and his clients are "smart" enough, there are a few cases:
- NOT ALL the settings are mentioned on the DHCP server, you have to complete the missing parts (like DNS servers)
- ALL the settings are mentioned on the DHCP server, the client (your computer) understands everything BUT YOU WANT different settings (for example, for DNS servers, you "like" more some DNS servers than others - let's say more than those offered to you through DHCP configuration) -> you will change some settings
- ALL the settings are mentioned on the DHCP server and you are happy with those -> problem solved, you don't want to change anything.

[gamerx365]

crap lol... that whois thing has my address and everything from my website.... crap.... lol... umm thats kinda scary

[Exploding_Hemmorhoids]

I'm sorry... I don't mean to be rude, or hijack this thread, but what I'd like to know is why the OP posts the exact same questions on other computer help forums, such as GeeksToGo?

Is it just me, or doesn't anyone see the big picture here?

I was skeptical from this user's first post.  So keep feeding him answers and help him build his own tech support forum.

In other words, search his user name.