DNS Management: Understanding Your Domain Settings
DNS Explained Simply
DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet’s phone book. When someone types your domain name, DNS translates it to the server IP address where your website lives. Getting DNS wrong means your site, email, or both stop working.
Essential DNS Records
| Record | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A | Points domain to server IP | @ → 145.79.14.148 |
| CNAME | Points subdomain to another domain | www → example.com |
| MX | Routes email to mail server | @ → mail.google.com |
| TXT | Verification, SPF, DKIM | v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com |
| NS | Nameserver delegation | ns1.provider.com |
Common DNS Tasks
- Pointing domain to new host: Update A record to new server IP
- Setting up email: Add MX records for your email provider
- Verifying ownership: Add TXT record for Google, SSL, etc.
- Using Cloudflare CDN: Change nameservers to Cloudflare
- Setting up subdomains: Add A or CNAME records for shop., blog., etc.
DNS Propagation
When you change DNS records, the change doesn’t happen instantly. Propagation takes 15 minutes to 48 hours depending on TTL (Time to Live) settings. During this time, some visitors may see the old site while others see the new one.
Best Practices
- Use a DNS provider with good uptime (Cloudflare, Route53)
- Keep TTL low (300-600 seconds) before planned changes
- Document all DNS records and their purpose
- Never delete records you don’t understand
- Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for email deliverability
Need DNS Help?
DNS mistakes can take your site and email offline. SecureTechs handles domain management and DNS configuration as part of our maintenance services. Get help.