Could someone explain a few basics to me please?

General server jargon

[mr_nabo]

Hi,

Although I've been doing websites for a while, I always thought I understood the various terms that are used when dealing with servers, however, I'm dealing with 1and1 at the moment and am getting a bit confused between DNS, CNames, IPS tags and MX records.

Could help me get the following clear in my mind please?

- DNS vs CName (what's the difference and what control do you get if you change the DNS nameservers to a new host but keep the domain registration with another company?)

- IPS tags vs MX records (if I want to use my new web hosting company for email AND hosting, do I need to change the DNS and the MX records, or will changing the DNS automatically do that? Vice versa, is it possible to just host the site but keep email with the current registrar?)

Thanks

[CWebguy]

In order to update the domain to a new server, usually you only have to change the DNS, which the hosting service will provide. Maybe someone can answer your other questions, I'm not as skilled in this area. By the way, I have hosted email on my webservers site by only changing the DNS with the registrar, and that's it. It may vary from registrar to registrar. I also had email working with the registrar, but then it quit so I'm not so sure about that one, (kept saying there was an MX error).

No problem.