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Name Servers, DNS, URLs & SSL: A Beginner’s Guide to Securing Your Website

When you register a domain name like yourcompany.com, that’s only the beginning. For your website and email to work properly, you need to understand a few basic but important concepts:

  • Name Servers

  • DNS (Domain Name System)

  • URLs (Uniform Resource Locator)

  • SSL Certificates & HTTPS

Don’t worry if these terms sound technical. In this blog, we’ll break them down into simple, everyday language so you can manage your digital assets confidently.


Name Servers & DNS Explained

Your domain name is like the nameplate outside your house. But for people to actually find your house, you need to give them directions — and that’s where DNS comes in.

What is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It’s like the internet’s address book.

When someone types yourcompany.com in their browser, DNS tells the browser which server to go to for your website.


What Are Name Servers?

Inside DNS, you have Name Servers — these are special servers that direct your domain to the correct hosting server.

For example:

These are your domain’s name servers. They tell the world where your website lives.


The DNS Zone & Its Records

Once your domain points to the right name servers, you can control settings inside something called the DNS Zone.

This is like a control panel for:

  • A Records → Point to where your website is hosted

  • MX Records → Direct emails to the right mail servers

  • TXT & CNAME Records → Used for email security (e.g., SPF, DKIM) and domain verification

For example:

  • If your MX Records point to Google, your emails will go to Gmail.

  • If someone tampers with your records, your emails might stop working — or worse, be hijacked.


How to Stay in Control

  • Know where your domain is registered → e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap

  • Know who controls your DNS → Sometimes your developer or hosting provider handles it

  • Keep admin access for yourself → Never rely fully on someone else

  • Review settings regularly → To avoid downtime or security risks


Watch the Video: Name Servers & DNS Explained



URLs, HTTPS & SSL Certificates

Now that you know how your domain connects to your website, let’s talk about the address you type in the browser — the URL.

What is a URL?

URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. It’s the complete web address, such as:

This breaks down into:

  • https:// → The protocol

  • yourcompany.com → Your domain name

  • /about-us → The specific page or resource


HTTP vs. HTTPS: What’s the Difference?

The S in HTTPS stands for Secure.

  • HTTP → Data is sent in plain text (not secure)

  • HTTPS → Data is encrypted using an SSL certificate

When you see a padlock icon in the browser bar, it means the website has HTTPS and is secure.


What is an SSL Certificate?

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate:

  • Encrypts communication between your website and visitors

  • Protects sensitive information (like passwords, payments)

  • Builds trust with customers

  • Is a Google ranking factor for SEO

The good news? Most hosting providers give free SSL certificates. You can install one directly from your hosting account’s control panel.

What is an SSL Certificate

How to Install an SSL Certificate

  1. Log in to your hosting account

  2. Go to Security or SSL settings

  3. Click Install SSL for your domain

  4. Enable Automatic HTTPS Redirect

Once done, your website will load securely with https:// instead of http://.


Why HTTPS Matters

  • Builds trust → Customers see your site as secure

  • Protects data → Prevents hackers from intercepting information

  • Boosts SEO → Google ranks HTTPS sites higher

So if your website still shows “Not Secure” in the browser, it’s time to install SSL now.



Watch the Video: URL, HTTPS & SSL Explained


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not knowing who controls your DNS → Can lock you out during emergencies

  • Leaving DNS access only with a developer → Always keep a backup admin account

  • Ignoring SSL certificates → Leads to “Not Secure” warnings in browsers

  • No HTTPS redirect → Causes duplicate versions of your site to exist


FAQs: DNS, SSL & HTTPS

Q1: Do I need technical knowledge to manage DNS?  A: Basic understanding is enough. For complex setups, ask your hosting provider for support.

Q2: Is HTTPS mandatory for all websites?  A: Yes, especially if you handle personal data, payments, or want better SEO.

Q3: How often do I need to renew SSL?  A: Free SSLs from hosting providers usually auto-renew. Paid SSLs may require manual renewal yearly.


Final Thoughts

  • DNS and Name Servers ensure your domain points to the right place for your website and email.

  • URLs, HTTPS, and SSL ensure your site is secure, trustworthy, and SEO-friendly.

Take control of your DNS settings, install SSL certificates, and always choose HTTPS for better security and trust.

 
 
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