DNS Management Tools

The Internet can be a daunting place without DNS management tools. A DNS, or domain name system, is about connection. Since the Internet is basically a massive set of connections between computers all across the globe, there needs to be some kind of mapping system to help users find their way around. This mapping system comes in the form of host names and various Internet protocol, or IP, addresses. These names and numbers are linked. Since such systems allow the user to create a host name that is connected to a specific IP address, utilizing a quality dynamic DNS management service is very important. A DNS system allows other Internet users to find specific web sites. The Bible talks about the importance of seeking God. "But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29)

At least two parts make up a domain name, the top level and the subdomain. For example, if a web site is called www.explainthis.com, "com" is the top level domain. Other possible top levels, in addition to .com, which stands for commerce, could include org., which stands for organization, or .net, which stand for network. There can be many subdomains in any domain name, and these are located to the left of the top level, but there is generally a limit of sixty seven characters total, with four usually going to the top level and leaving sixty three characters for the subdomain. Under the umbrella of one host name can be any number of Internet protocol addresses that are linked to that domain. A host name could be something like www.whatsmyname.com while an Internet protocol address would be a series of numbers that range from 0 to 255 and are separated by periods. Each host name is associated with an IP address. For the average person, understanding how a dynamic DNS management service functions can be confusing. The help of professionals in this area can make all the difference. There are many service providers available that can help the consumer in this area and can provide useful DNS management tools. 

Among the services that a dynamic DNS management service might offer could include helping the client choose a domain name and get it registered, aide a client in removing an Internet protocol address from a blacklist, provide customer support, or provide e-mail forwarding and web forwarding. If a consumer simply wants to register a specific name without launching any accompanying web site, these providers can help them do this as well. Other features that these services may offer could include helping clients come up with new aliases and hosts, preventing unwanted web site down time when needed changes are occurring, supplying tutorials and other materials that help the client understand how these systems work, and help a client change web hosting services with minimal complications. Many services also address security issues and will offer spam filtering and keep updated spam blacklists as part of its e-mail forwarding service. One thing to keep in mind when shopping around for businesses that specialize in various DNS management tools is longevity. A potential client needs to know that a business of this nature is going to be in it for the long haul. 

For the computer user who is interested in a dynamic DNS management service, there are a wide variety of providers who can help. Dynamic management refers to names that are linked to IP addresses that change. Some computers use Internet protocol addresses that do not change. These are called static Internet protocol addresses. In a dynamic system, these addresses do not remain static, but can change. The reason that this happens is that under a dynamic system, an Internet user is assigned one of a group of unused IP addresses when they log on to the web. That address remains with the user for just one single Internet visit. Providers will generally utilize an application that can dynamically pull unused IP addresses from a pool. Basically, a dynamic service is an extra feature that is added on top of the basic domain name service. The cost of these services may come in the form of a monthly subscription fee that is generally only a few dollars a month. 

Other DNS management tools that a consumer might find useful are special software products that can be used to run a system. Some of these applications function as diagnostic utilities. Many programs offer automated features and can go a long way toward saving time and cutting down on human error. Among the features that are offered by this type of software are automated address allocation, policies that are defined by the user, and forecasting and trending for address utilization. The availability of special templates means that configuring the server can be a much simpler process. Additional features could include multi homed hosts, multi tiered addressing, DNS configuration verification, and dynamic capabilities. In the area of address managing, some applications allow the user to define hierarchy according to their own needs such as geography and topology. Automated reporting to regional Internet registries is another helpful feature. If a user wishes to track subnets, IP addresses, resource records or other information, some programs offer audit reporting elements. Whatever needs a consumer might have in this area, there are an abundance of services and applications that can meet those needs and can help take the mystery out of participating in the World Wide Web.