I like to think of DNS (dynamic name system or dynamic name server) as the ultimate universal translator in human/computer relations. Most of us can’t decipher what this number 173.35.50.129 means to our lives. But in essence, it is simply directing digital traffic (users/consumers/readers/etc.) to a specific website, in this case,www.entuit.com. So, when I type www.entuit.com into a url, a query is sent to some servers until a match for the number that corresponds to the name is found. Once the match is found your information becomes available to the querying browser. This process is completed in nano-seconds.

If you have a website then you also have DNS records being hosted somewhere. In effect, telling the world that your website or email can be found "here". Too often, organizations trust their hosting companies or web site developers with the registration of their domain name because they do not understand the process completely.  If you had someone purchase your domain name for you, they are likely listed as the registrant of that domain.  At the very least, they have control over where your DNS records live.  If this sounds like a situation you're in, it is imperative that you gain control of your domain name and DNS records.

There are basically three roles required to register a domain name: the Registrant, an Administrative Contact and a Technical Contact. If for instance, I want to move our DNS records from one provider to another, as the registrar I have the privilege to do so. Otherwise, I am at the mercy of the 3^rd party registrar who either can or cannot make the change (say an accident or death) or may or may not want (perhaps a soured relationship) to be of assistance.

If your DNS is registered by a 3^rd party and you are not the registrar, do yourself a favour and contact your hosting company or the person/company who registered the domain name and have the records changed. Make sure your business is listed as the registrant.  Ask for access and password information and the registrar lock that is specific to you and regain control of your domain. This incidentally, should be at no additional cost to you.

There are a variety of free tools that can help you determine who is indicated as the registrar and the one we like to use is www.dnsstuff.com.

Seize the DNS!