OhmCo - previously rule of design - carwash marketing and blogging

What is DNS (and What’s a URL)?

Mel Ohlinger • January 22, 2025

What is DNS?

And what’s a URL?

AND HOW DOES IT ALL WORK TOGETHER?

What is DNS (and What’s a URL)? You’ve probably heard of DNS (Domain Name System) and URL (Uniform Resource Locator), but what do these terms mean, and how do they work together to bring websites to life? Let’s break it down using OhmCo’s website, ohmco.co, as an example.

What is a URL?

A URL is like a parking spot for your website on the internet. For OhmCo, our URL is ohmco.co. Just like every parking space has an address or a number, every website has a unique URL that directs people to its location online. URLs are how you tell the internet where to “park” your browser so it can load the website you’re looking for.

What is DNS?

If the URL is the parking spot, then DNS (Domain Name System) is like the set of driving instructions that help your computer navigate to that spot. DNS translates the human-friendly URL, like ohmco.co, into the numeric IP address that computers understand, such as 192.0.2.1 . Without DNS, your browser wouldn’t know how to find the website or “park” it in your view.

How It All Works Together

Here’s how the process works when you type ohmco.co into your browser:

  1. You Enter the URL: Just like selecting a parking space, your browser begins the process by using the URL you’ve entered.
  2. DNS Kicks In: DNS acts as your GPS, converting ohmco.co into its IP address (the unique numeric identifier for OhmCo’s website).
  3. The Website Loads: Once the IP address is found, your browser parks the website (the "car") on your screen.


Without DNS, you’d need to remember a complex IP address instead of a simple URL like ohmco.co, making navigating the internet far more difficult.


Why is DNS Important?

DNS is what keeps the internet running smoothly. It’s responsible for connecting users to websites, sending emails, and even enabling apps to function. Without it, the internet would feel like trying to navigate without road signs or a map.


Managing Your URL, Website, and DNS with OhmCo

At OhmCo, we make it easy for you to manage your domain, website, and DNS settings. Here are some common tasks you can do with DNS:

  • Point Your Domain to Your Website: Use the A record to park your website (the "car") on your URL (the "spot").
  • Forward Your Domain: Redirect your URL to another location, like a social media page.
  • Set Up Email: Ensure your emails reach their destination with the correct MX records.
  • Add Subdomains: Create subdomains like store.ohmco.co to expand your online presence.
  • Update Nameservers: Move your DNS management to another provider if needed.


DNS changes usually take effect quickly but can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate worldwide.


Stuck? We’ve Got You!

We know DNS and URL management can feel like learning a new language. That’s why OhmCo is here to help! Our team offers easy-to-follow guides, step-by-step videos, and friendly support to get your website running smoothly.


Ready to park your website online? Or ready to start building a really great website? With OhmCo, managing your domain, DNS, and website is simple, so you can focus on building your carwash business.


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