[PLUG] Victor is trying to understand DNS

Robert Citek robert.citek at gmail.com
Sun Oct 14 12:24:30 UTC 2007


On 10/14/2007 01:40 AM, Victor Soich wrote:
> I installed Debian on my machine.  I have an IP address through
> comcast through DHCP.  I am making use of dyndns.org.  I have a VPS
> through slicehost.  I am trying to understand DNS and I think I
> understand it, but I want to have my understanding verified with a few
> possibly naive questions.

In order to add a host computer (one that provides services, e.g. 
webserver) to the Internet, you need three things:

1) a domain name
2) an IP address
3) a domain name server (DNS)

Think of the name server like a telephone book: given a name, it finds 
the address.  You get to pick and register the domain name via a Domain 
Name Registrar.  DynDNS has some freebie names or you can pick a custom 
name for a price.  Your IP address is usually assigned to you by your 
ISP or hosting company, and can be static or dynamic (changes every so 
often, usually weeks).  You get to pick the name servers, although it is 
now common for the company that registers your name to offer DNS 
service, too.  DynDNS has its own name servers, but you can use others 
like EveryDNS.

In your case:

1) What name did you register and with whom?  DynDNS?
2) Comcast provides you with an IP address via DHCP.
3) Who is your DNS provider?  DynDNS?

How does Slicehost fit into this?  Seems like they provide static IP 
addresses to their VMs and provide DNS service, although you still have 
to register your own name.  How many machines are you trying to connect 
to the Internet?

Regards,
- Robert



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