Explore key concepts of domain names and DNS, including terminology, structures, and important functions, to reinforce your understanding of internet addressing and navigation. This quiz helps beginners gain confidence with DNS basics by covering definitions, roles, and real-world scenarios related to domain name systems.
What is the correct term for the part of a domain name that appears immediately after the dot in 'example.com'?
Explanation: The Top-Level Domain (TLD) is the segment that appears right after the dot in a domain name, such as '.com' in 'example.com'. It helps categorize domains by type or country. 'Host Name' typically refers to a specific device or subdomain. 'Primary Domain' is not a standard technical term, and 'Root Domain' refers to the highest level in the DNS hierarchy, not the part after the dot.
Which best describes the main function of the Domain Name System (DNS)?
Explanation: DNS functions as the internet's phonebook by translating human-friendly domain names into numerical IP addresses required for routing. It does not store files—that’s the role of web hosting. Creating layouts is a design process unrelated to DNS. Encrypting traffic is handled by different protocols like SSL or TLS.
What is the primary responsibility of an authoritative name server in DNS resolution?
Explanation: An authoritative name server holds the definitive records for its domain and provides the final answer to DNS queries. It does not automatically update IPs for all devices—that's DHCP. While some servers may try to increase security, encrypting DNS is not the main role of authoritative servers. Blocking sites is a task for security software, not DNS servers.
Which type of DNS record matches a domain name to its IPv4 address?
Explanation: An 'A record' points a domain name directly to an IPv4 address, allowing browsers to find the website's server. 'MX records' specify mail servers for email. 'CNAME records' create aliases for domains. 'TXT records' store text data, such as verification or spam prevention details.
Which of the following is an example of a subdomain for the main domain 'mywebsite.org'?
Explanation: A subdomain extends the main domain, such as 'shop.mywebsite.org', with 'shop' being the subdomain part. 'mywebsite.com' uses a different TLD and is a separate domain. 'www.org' is not connected to 'mywebsite.org', and 'my.website.org' has a different organizational structure, implying 'website.org' as the main domain.
When you enter a website domain in your browser, which type of DNS server is usually contacted first by your computer?
Explanation: The recursive resolver is the first DNS server your device typically contacts. It handles the full process of obtaining the required DNS record, reaching out to other DNS servers as needed. The root server or authoritative server may be queried later in this process. A mail server processes email, not web address lookups.
In DNS, what does the 'TTL' (Time To Live) value specify for a record?
Explanation: 'TTL' sets how long a DNS record should be stored in cache by servers or devices before expiration. It does not refer to the character count of a domain. Time zone information isn’t part of TTL. Domain expiry is managed by registrars and is unrelated to DNS TTL values.
What is the main role of a CNAME record in DNS?
Explanation: A CNAME record lets one domain serve as an alias for another, redirecting traffic as needed. It does not block IPs (which would involve firewall rules), designate mail servers (done by MX records), or hold verification information (TXT records serve that function).
Why is the root zone crucial in the DNS hierarchy?
Explanation: The root zone contains information about all top-level domains and directs queries to the right TLD servers. It does not manage website content or user passwords. Showing search results is handled by search engines, unrelated to DNS functionality.
What typically happens if you do not renew your registered domain name before it expires?
Explanation: When a domain is not renewed, it usually enters a grace period and may then become available for registration by someone else. Automatic redesign and perpetual email services do not occur. DNS records will eventually be removed if ownership lapses, causing associated services to stop functioning.