Networking and Web Technologies 02: How to point a domain (e.g., xyz.com) to a specific website using DNS settings ?

Networking and Web Technologies 02: How to point a domain (e.g., xyz.com) to a specific website using DNS settings ?  

Moving a domain like `xyz.com` to point to a specific website involves configuring the domain's DNS settings so that it directs visitors to the website hosted on a server. Below are the steps to do this, assuming you already have a website hosted and you want to associate your domain with that website.

1. Determine Where Your Website is Hosted

First, you need to know where your website is hosted. This could be a web hosting service (like GoDaddy, Bluehost, or AWS) or a website builder platform (like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress.com).

2. Access Your Domain's DNS Settings
Log in to the account where your domain is registered (e.g., Google Domains, GoDaddy, Namecheap).

1. Login to Domain Registrar Account:
   - Go to the website of your domain registrar.
   - Log in with your account credentials.

2. Navigate to DNS Management:
   - Locate your domain `xyz.com` in the dashboard.
   - Find the "DNS settings" or "DNS management" section.

3. Update DNS Records
Depending on your hosting provider or website builder, you'll need to update specific DNS records:

A. If Using a Web Hosting Service:

   * Update the A Record:

     - Find the "A Record" in your DNS settings.
     - Set the "A Record" to the IP address of your web hosting server. Your hosting provider should give you this IP address.

     - Example:
       Type: A
       Name: @ (or leave blank, depending on registrar)
       Value: [Your server IP address]
       TTL: 1 hour (or leave as default)

  * Update the CNAME Record:
     - If your website uses a subdomain like `www.xyz.com`, update the "CNAME Record."
     - Set the CNAME to point to your domain or directly to the server.

     - Example:
       Type: CNAME
       Name: www
       Value: xyz.com (or another provided value)
       TTL: 1 hour (or leave as default)
       
B. If Using a Website Builder (e.g., Wix, Squarespace, WordPress.com):
   *  Update the CNAME Record:
     - Most website builders provide a CNAME record to point to their servers.

     - Example for Wix:      
       Type: CNAME
       Name: www
       Value: www[YourWebsiteName].wixdns.net
       
   *  Custom Name Servers:
     - Some builders ask you to change the name servers entirely to point to their servers. 
     - Replace your domain’s current name servers with the ones provided by your website builder.

C. Using Nameservers Provided by Hosting Provider:

   * If your hosting provider gives you custom name servers:

     - Replace your domain’s current name servers with the ones provided by your host.

     - Example:       
       ns1.hostingprovider.com
       ns2.hostingprovider.com
      
4. Wait for DNS Propagation
- DNS changes can take some time to propagate globally, usually within a few hours, but it can take up to 48 hours in some cases.

5. Verify the Domain is Pointing Correctly
- After the DNS changes have propagated, enter `xyz.com` in your browser to ensure it correctly points to your website.
- Use tools like [WhatsMyDNS.net](https://www.whatsmydns.net/) to check if your DNS records have propagated globally.

6. Additional Configuration (Optional)
- Redirect www to Non-www (or vice versa): Configure redirects so both `www.xyz.com` and `xyz.com` point to the same site.
- SSL Certificate: Ensure your website uses HTTPS by installing an SSL certificate. Many hosting providers offer free SSL certificates (e.g., through Let’s Encrypt).

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully move your domain `xyz.com` to point to your website.

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