What does 'DNS' stand for?

The term 'DNS' stands for "Domain Name System." This system plays a critical role in the functioning of the internet by translating human-friendly domain names, like www.example.com, into numerical IP addresses that computers use to communicate with one another. The Domain Name System is essential for the usability of the internet, as it allows users to access websites using easy-to-remember names rather than complex strings of numbers.

The DNS functions by maintaining a directory that matches domain names with their corresponding IP addresses. When you type a web address into your browser, the DNS resolves that address to an IP address, allowing your device to locate the correct server hosting the website. This process is usually handled transparently and quickly, meaning that users typically do not notice it happening.

Other terms like "Data Network System" and "Distributed Network System" do not accurately reflect the purpose and function of DNS. While "Domain Name Service" might seem related, it is not the correct or technical term for the entire system, but rather part of what DNS does. The emphasis on "System" in "Domain Name System" captures the entirety of the structured organization that manages domain names and their corresponding resource records.