July 01st, 2020

What is a Domain Name Server?

Domain Name System is system that helps computers understand domain names, it essentially changes the domain name to an IP Address. Every Domain name has a list of Name Servers that are authorized to host its DNS Records. Name servers are usually a server but can be a program that runs a name-service protocol. Name servers hold a file named Zone File, this Zone File contains records for the domain such as the A record and MX Record. If you need to set up an A record, you can contact us, or, your provider and they will send it to you. It is usually set as default once you register a domain. MX Records are a bit different to the other records as they are tied to the mail server. You have priority numbers which provide information to the mail server that should be used first to. You can have multiple entries with different priorities, if the first priority doesn't work it will go the next one and so on.

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​​What are the DNS Records or Settings?

• A records

An A record allows DNS Servers to have the IP Address tied to your domain name.

• CNAME Records

A CNAME record can map the web address www.yourdomainname.com to the actual web site for the domain example.com.

• TXT Recrods​

You can use TXT records for various purposes. Most email providers such as Microsoft Office or Google use them to verify domain ownership and to ensure email security.

• SPF Records

Purpose of an SPF Record is to prevent spammers from sending messages with forged email addresses from your domain.

• MX Records

MX records are used to tell the world which mail servers accept incoming mail for your domain and where emails sent to your domain should be routed to.

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Important notice

The option of changing DNS zones is only available for clients using cPanel. If you log in and you do not have the option to change your DNS zones under the "Edit DNS zones" function, this means that the server you're located on is currently undergoing maintenance. In this case please email us your records and we will change them for you. You can send your records to support@webworld.ie

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How do I change them?

You can log into your cPanel Hosting Plan to change the DNS under the "Domains" Section.

You can manage your A record, CNAME Record, MX Record and TXT Recrod from here.

​After clicking into the Zone Editor, you will see a list of domains that are tied to your Hosting Plan. You can click manage with the spanner icon, and it will bring you into a menu with all the records tied to the domain you selected. From the list you can delete and edit these records, you can also add records by clicking the blue button with the plus sign saying "Add Record".

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Regarding SPF Records and MX Record you have to navigate to the "EMAIL" Section and go into "Authentication". From here on you can add additional MX Records and SPF Records to the empty text box on the side and after you are done you can press "Add" which adds automatically the MX or the SPF record.

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To find more about DNS Propagation which is the period of time it takes for a domain's Name Servers to update you can check out our other blog http://blog.webworld.ie/weblog/dns-propagation-guide, it also goes through how to check if your DNS Settings have been updated.

If you encounter any problems or you are unsure on how to proceed with changing your records please do not hesitate to email us as we will always be glad to help you. 

You can reach us at support@webworld.ie or ring us at TEL: (01) 495 1112.