How to configure domain name servers

When you are setting up a website, the task of configuring the domain name server is an important part of the process. Although phases like DNS setting and DNS entry may look threatening for a novice, it is a rather simple process which you can master in a short time. This article provides you with the basics of configuring a domain name server.

Understanding how a domain name functions

Before configuring a domain name, you should know in what way a domain name functions. There are three steps to setting up a domain name. First, you register the name of your domain with a registrar. Second, you set up the domain name in a DNS server. Finally, you configure the web server and listen to the requests for domain name.

Registering a domain name

A domain name should be registered with an ICANN domain registrar. They charge a yearly registration fee for this service. You can get registrars for each country specific domain names. If you sign up with a hosting server, you will get details such as the Name Server settings from the hosting company.

Selecting a domain name

You should be careful in selecting a domain name as it should represent the purpose for which you are setting up the website. After deciding on a name, you should provide information such as credentials of the owner of the domain (company name, name, address, email address, phone, etc). You should log into the registrars Control Panel (CP) and then go to "Domain Name Management" to set the Name Server for the Domain Name. Then, you can enter the details of the two Name Servers in the relevant field and save the settings.

Providing the required details

You should also provide other details such as administrative contact details, technical contact details, and details about Domain Name System (DNS) server. Usually, the DNS server is provided by a web hosting firm. The DNS server contains the entries of the specific domain name. You need to provide a minimum of one primary and a secondary name server address. Once you register a domain name, you should set-up the DNS server and this can be done once the domain is registered. However, the domain name is not going to work till you finish the DNS set-up.