Sunday, December 11, 2005

How Domain Name Servers work and Toxic Waste Forbidden Zones

On Friday I changed the name server values on the website I'm launching from the old host to the new host.

Here's how it works:

DNS (Domain Name Servers) tell computers how to find each other over the Internet. When you type an address in your browser, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) checks with its domain name server (DNS) to determine where to send you. I'm using Rogers as an ISP. Some folks use Look.ca and others use Bell Nexia.

You type in http://www.exampledomain.com ---> System checks with DNS ---> DNS says domain.com = 192.168.0.1 ---> This matches a setting in your host's domain name server file and then you are taken to the web site.

Basically, this is a way to simplify web site domains. I'd rather go to cars.com than go to http://184.54.345.0.1. It is easier to remember. And better for the marketing department.

My clients are bound to begin asking "Why does it take so long for my site to start working?"

I will tell them that since they changed web hosts, the new DNS information has to reach every other name server (DNS) on the Internet. That their site may appear to them in as few as 4 hours, but the average waiting time is 24-72 hours. This delay occurs because most name servers (DNS) choose to periodically check for updates. That is, they aren't "live." Periodic checking is done because constant checking often slows down the server.

Or I will use an analogy for them, but I don't expect they'll get it:

"When you throw a stone into a pond from a dock, the wave takes a while to propogate across the water to tell folks on the shore at various points that something has happened (the splash). The folks off on the left and the right of the dock will recieve the message more quickly. The folks at the far end of the pond will take longer to find out. These folks are like the Domain Name Servers. As each of them receive the message, the can begin to tell their visitors that a stone was dropped into the lake and that things are now different. "


And then I can turn this analogy into more of a metaphor against war, or even try to find a clever tie-in to how the materialism pollutes the Christmas spirit.

Speaking of pollution, Cherry beach and the surrounding docklands can't be used for human 'consumption' due to the enormous amount of pollution. Since the 1800's, this area was used for heavy industry. Now they can't even build pretty parks on it. Because someone would sit down and spend a nice summer day in the park and later that evening go home and sprout a tumour on their forehead. Monty and I see to enjoy the place. The nastiest places are fenced off with barbed wire and maybe even land mines and sentry guns.

Anyhow, once the DNS changes kick in for you and me, we'll both be seeing this: