DNS

The Domain Name System (DNS) helps users to find their way around the Internet. Every computer on the Internet has a unique address --just like a telephone number-- which is a rather complicated string of numbers. It's called the "IP address" but it's hard to remember so the DNS makes it easier by allowing a familiar string of letters (the "domain name") to be used instead of the arcane IP address. So instead of typing a number like 66.201.69.207, you can type in netlingo.com :)

It is a "mnemonic" device that makes addresses easier to remember. Translating the name into the IP address is called "resolving the domain name." The goal of the DNS is for any Internet user any place in the world to reach a specific Web site IP address by entering its domain name. Domain names are also used for reaching e-mail addresses and for other Internet applications. The DNS is a static, hierarchical name service that uses TCP/IP hosts and is housed on a number of servers on the Internet.

Historical perspective: VeriSign, headquartered in Mountain View, CA, the heart of Silicon Valley, is the world's largest provider of Internet trust services and acts as a gateway to establishing an online identity and Web presence. Through its acquisition of Network Solutions, VeriSign operates the definitive database of millions of Web addresses in the .com, .net, and .org domains. Considered the world's de facto standard in domain name system (DNS) registry services, they respond to billions of DNS look-ups daily on all of the world's domain name registrars.