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What are name servers?

What are name servers (DNS)?

Name servers, also known as DNS (Domain Name System) servers, are an essential component of the internet infrastructure. They are responsible for translating human-readable domain names, like www.example.com, into the corresponding IP addresses that computers and servers use to communicate with each other.

When you type a domain name into your web browser, the browser sends a request to the configured name servers to obtain the IP address associated with that domain. The name servers then provide the browser with the IP address, allowing the browser to establish a connection to the correct server and retrieve the website’s content.

Name servers work in a hierarchical system. When you register a domain name, you specify the name servers that will handle the DNS requests for your domain. These name servers are typically provided by your hosting provider or domain registrar. The top-level domain (TLD) name servers, managed by organizations like ICANN, maintain the authoritative records for the TLDs (such as .com, .org, .net).

The name servers store DNS records, including the IP addresses associated with domain names, mail server information, and other DNS configurations. They allow users to access websites, send and receive emails, and perform various internet-related activities by efficiently translating domain names to IP addresses.

Changing name servers for a domain involves updating the domain’s DNS settings to point to a new set of name servers. This change determines which name servers will handle the DNS resolution for the domain. The propagation process ensures that the updated DNS information is distributed across the internet, allowing the new name servers to respond to DNS requests for the domain.

In summary, name servers play a critical role in translating domain names to IP addresses, allowing users to access websites and other online services. They form the backbone of the DNS system, enabling efficient communication on the internet.

How to point your domain name to your website

To point your domain name to your website, you need to configure the domain’s DNS settings to connect it with the hosting provider where your website is hosted. Here are the general steps to follow:

  1. Obtain your website’s IP address or nameservers: Get the IP address of your website’s hosting server or the nameserver information from your hosting provider. You may find this information in your hosting account dashboard or by contacting your hosting provider’s support.
  2. Access your domain registrar’s DNS settings: Log in to your domain registrar’s website where you purchased your domain. Look for the DNS management or domain management section.
  3. Locate the DNS settings for your domain: In the DNS settings, find the area where you can add or edit DNS records for your domain. This section may be called DNS Management, DNS Zone Editor, or something similar.
  4. Add an A record or update nameservers:
    • Option 1: Adding an A record: If you have an IP address for your website, add an A record with the following details:
      • Host/Name: Leave it blank or enter ‘@’ or your domain name.
      • IP Address/Destination: Enter the IP address of your hosting server.
      • TTL (Time to Live): You can keep the default or set it as recommended by your hosting provider.
    • Option 2: Updating nameservers: If your hosting provider has given you nameservers, update the nameserver records with those provided. You may need to remove existing nameservers and add the new ones.
  5. Save the DNS changes: Once you have added or updated the DNS records, save the changes.
  6. Allow DNS propagation: It may take some time for the DNS changes to propagate across the internet. This process can take a few minutes to several hours, although it typically completes within 24-48 hours. During this time, some users may still see the old DNS information. Be patient and allow the changes to propagate fully.

After the DNS propagation is complete, your domain will be successfully pointed to your website. Users will be able to access your website by entering your domain name in their web browsers. Remember that DNS settings may vary slightly depending on your domain registrar’s interface, so refer to their documentation or contact their support if you encounter any difficulties.

  

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Classic Domain Names

.COM | .AU | .CO | .NET | .BIZ | .ME | .EU | .ASIA | .TV | .MOBI | .NAME | .INFO | .ORG | .US | .NL| .FM | .HK | .ES | .CO.NZ | .DE | .CO.UK | .RU | .IM | .PM | .TW | .FR | .CN | .CA | .CH | .VN | .PL | .IL | .JP | .KR |

New Domain Name TLDs

.COMPANY | .HOLDINGS | .TIPS | .SUPPORT | .CAREERS | .TRAINING | .DOMAIN | .EMAIL | .GURU | .CENTER | .DIRECTORY | .ENTERPRISES | .MANAGEMENT | .SYSTEMS | .MENU | .PHOTOS | TRADE | SPACE | .SITE | WORK | .MELBOURNE | .SYDNEY | .MONEY | .PHYSIO | .AI | .BLOG | .MUSIC | .VIDEO | .APP |

Domain Names General FAQ

You can manage your domain names via the FASTDOT Client Area. Once you have logged in, click on My Domains > Managed Domains.
The FASTDOT name server are:

ns1.fastdot.com
ns2.fastdot.com
ns3.fastdot.com
You can view your domain expiry date within the Client Area. Click on My Domains > Manage Domains. You will see a list of your current domains along with their next due date.
By default we will renew your domain name automatically. Alternatively, you can manually renew your domain name in your Client Area
If your domain name has already expired, just contact us via the helpdesk to renew it. If your domain name is not renewed quickly it may be come available and be registered by another party.
By default, we will renew your domain name automatically. If you wish to manage your domain name renewals manually you can disable automatic renewal by logging in to the Client Area and then: Select “Domains” and then “My Domains” from the top navigation bar. Select the “Manage Domain” button to the right of the domain name you would like to view or modify. Click on the “Auto Renew” tab. Ensure that “Auto Renewal Status” has been set to “Disabled”. Please note: by disabling automatic renewal, you are assuming responsibility to renew your domain name. Failure to renew your domain name before its expiry date will cause it to stop working.
Login to your Client Area using the username and password issued with your Welcome Email you received at sign up. Once logged in, select “Domains” and then “My Domains” from the top navigation bar. Select the “Manage Domain” button to the right of the domain name you would like to view or modify. Click on the “Registrar Lock” tab. Ensure that “Registrar Lock Status” has been set to “Disabled”. If the current status is set to “Enabled” then please click on “Disable Registrar Lock”. Select the “Namesevers” tab, then on the following screen to modify the current nameserver settings. Select the “Change Nameservers” button to confirm your new nameserver settings.
You can manage your domain names public WHOIS contact information by logging into your FASTDOT Client Area: Select “Domains” and then “My Domains”. Click on the “Manage Domain” button for the domain you wish to manage. Click on the “Registrar Lock” tab. Ensure that “Registrar Lock Status” has been set to “Disabled”. If the current status is set to “Enabled” then please click on “Disable Registrar Lock”. On the same screen select “Management Tools” and then “Contact Information”. From here you can update the domain name with pertinent contact details for your website including details for the registrant, admin, tech & billing identities. Select the “Save Changes” button to confirm the new contact details.
.au Domain Administration Ltd (.auDA) is the policy authority and industry self-regulatory body for the .au domain space. They are responsible for developing and implementing domain name policy, accrediting and licensing domain registrars, implementing consumer safeguards and facilitating the .au Dispute Resolution Policy. Learn more.
WHOIS is a tool used to search the domain registry databases for information about a domain name. This tool can be used to obtain information such as the domain’s expiry date, owner and name server information.
Domain Names are used to establish a unique identity. Organizations and individuals can choose a domain name that corresponds to their name, helping Internet users to reach them easily. An important function of a domain name is to provide easily recognizable and memorizable names to numerically addressed Internet resources.