A domain name is the memorable address people type, while DNS is the distributed system that directs that name to the correct website, email service and other resources. Understanding a few records makes migrations and troubleshooting much easier.
Domain, hosting and DNS are different
The domain is the registered name. Hosting stores and serves the website. DNS connects the name to services by publishing records. They can be purchased from one provider or managed separately.
How a DNS lookup works
When someone requests your domain, a resolver looks for an answer in its cache. If necessary, it follows the DNS hierarchy to the authoritative nameservers, retrieves the requested record and temporarily caches it.
Important DNS record types
A and AAAA records
An A record points a hostname to an IPv4 address. An AAAA record points it to an IPv6 address.
CNAME records
A CNAME makes one hostname an alias of another. It is commonly used for subdomains, but it cannot coexist with other records at the same name.
MX records
MX records identify the mail servers that receive email for a domain. Priority values determine the preferred order.
TXT records
TXT records publish verification and policy information, including SPF, DKIM and DMARC data used in email authentication.
NS records
NS records specify the authoritative nameservers responsible for a DNS zone.
What TTL means
Time to live tells resolvers how long they may cache a record. Lowering TTL before a planned migration can shorten the period in which older answers remain cached. Raise it again after the change is stable.
Why DNS changes appear gradual
There is no single global propagation switch. Different resolvers refresh cached answers at different times. Existing records can remain visible until their TTL expires.
A safe website migration sequence
- Copy and test the website on the new hosting environment.
- Lower relevant TTL values ahead of the move.
- Update the required A, AAAA or CNAME records.
- Keep the old service available while caches expire.
- Verify HTTPS, forms, email and redirects before retiring the old account.
Protect the domain
Use registrar lock, multi-factor authentication, accurate renewal contacts and automatic renewal where appropriate. DNSSEC can protect against forged DNS responses when supported by both the registrar and DNS provider.
Get the records right
Before changing DNS, export or record the current zone and understand which services depend on it. HostViber support can help identify the records required for your hosting service.
Ready to secure your domain?
Search for an available name, register it with HostViber and pair it with hosting close to your audience.