Define: Domain Name System
Domain Name System
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a local database that translates domain names to Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, individual Internet computers around the globe maintain their specific portion of this database, and the data held in each portion of the database is made available to all computers and users on the Internet. The DNS comprises of computers, data files, software, and people working together. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) typically assigns Internet Protocol (IP) numbers dynamically to these users. That is, they have a different IP number each time they log on to the internet. This allows a provider to use a limited number of addresses for all of their users as the ISPs total subscriber base is never logged in at once. To be able to register a domain name, the ISP must assign a static IP number (one that never changes). This is usually an additional cost. Of course, a computer system is still required that will host the domain. Most ISPs offer domain hosting.
