When you set nameservers for a domain, you’re simply pointing your domain to the web server(s) responsible for directing your domain’s traffic. These nameservers provide DNS services, which basically tell the Internet which server(s) are responsible for your domain’s web traffic, e-mail, FTP, sub-domains, etc.
When you purchase a domain and hosting, you’ll usually have to change your domain’s nameservers to point to your hosting account. Advanced users sometimes even prefer to use a third party service to host their DNS, such as their domain registrar, or another DNS service.
Note: If you’re hosting with IvyCat, you’ll receive instructions for setting your domain nameservers in your Welcome E-mail.
More Information:
- Nameservers: technical explanation of Nameservers on Wikipedia.
- DNS: technical explanation of the Domain Name System on Wikipedia..
