If you’ve ever wondered how a website shows up when you type in a domain name like ezyweb.au—you’re not alone. The answer lies in something called DNS. And while that might sound like just another piece of internet jargon, understanding the basics of DNS can help you make smarter choices when it comes to your website and online presence.
At Ezyweb Australia, we manage a lot of WordPress websites and domains for small businesses across the country. One of the most common questions we get is: “What is DNS, and why should I care?” So let’s break it down.
What Is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. Think of it as the phonebook of the internet.
Every website is hosted on a server with a unique IP address—a long string of numbers like 192.0.2.1. But nobody wants to remember that. DNS makes life easier by translating easy-to-remember domain names (like yourbusiness.com.au) into those numerical IP addresses.
So when someone types in your website address, DNS tells their browser where to go.
Why Does DNS Matter for Your Website?
1. It Controls Where Your Website Lives
Your DNS settings decide where your website is hosted. If they’re set up wrong, people won’t be able to visit your site—simple as that. It’s like giving someone the wrong address and expecting them to show up at your door.
2. It Affects Email Delivery
If your business email is tied to your domain name (like you@yourbusiness.com.au), DNS also controls how and where those emails are delivered. Incorrect settings here can lead to emails getting lost, bounced, or marked as spam.
3. It Impacts Speed and Security
Reliable DNS hosting can make your website load faster and keep it secure. A poorly configured DNS can make your site sluggish—or even vulnerable to attacks like spoofing or phishing.
4. It Helps with Website Updates and Migrations
Changing web hosts or moving your site? Your DNS records will need updating. Done properly, your website can switch over with zero downtime. Done poorly, and you risk days of outage or lost data.
Common DNS Terms (In Plain English)
Nameservers: These are like the gatekeepers of your DNS. They tell the internet where to find your domain’s settings.
A Record: This tells the DNS which server (by IP address) to point your domain to.
MX Record: Controls where your emails go.
CNAME: Think of it like a nickname—helpful for pointing subdomains to other services (e.g., blog.yoursite.com).
Should You Manage Your DNS Yourself?
If you’re tech-savvy and confident, sure. But if DNS sounds confusing, you’re not alone—and you’re not wrong to leave it to the pros.
At Ezyweb Australia, we manage DNS for our clients as part of our website and hosting services. That means you don’t need to worry about the back-end stuff—we make sure everything is running exactly as it should, securely and reliably.
Final Thoughts
So, what is DNS? It’s the backbone of how people find your website and email you. While it works quietly in the background, it plays a huge role in your site’s reliability, speed, and security. If you’re unsure about how your DNS is set up—or even if it’s set up correctly—it’s worth talking to someone who can check under the hood.
Need help with DNS, domain names, or website hosting?
Get in touch with Ezyweb Australia — we’re always happy to help Australian businesses get it right.
