Topic
DNS
Domain Name System — how the internet turns names into addresses, and how to use that knowledge.
6 articles
What is mDNS / Bonjour? Local network discovery explained
Your printer just appears on your network. Your AirPods reconnect automatically. Chromecast finds your TV. The reason all of that 'just works' is mDNS — multicast DNS, the silent infrastructure of local networks.
Reverse DNS lookup explained: what PTR records are and why they matter
A reverse DNS lookup turns an IP address back into a hostname. Here's how the PTR record system works, when it matters (a lot for email; rarely for users), and how to test your own reverse DNS.
How does email actually work? The protocols behind every message
Email is older than the web and built on protocols most people have never heard of: SMTP, IMAP, MX records, SPF, DKIM, DMARC. Here's the whole journey from 'send' to 'inbox' in plain English.
How does DNS work? A friendly walkthrough
Type a domain, see a website. In between, DNS does a quiet 50-millisecond dance through several specialized servers. Here's exactly how every name turns into an IP.
DNS leaks explained: what they are, why they matter, and how to fix them
A DNS leak quietly tells your ISP everywhere you're going on the internet — even when you're using a VPN. Here's what causes them, how to test for one, and how to plug the leak.
Best free public DNS servers in 2026
Your ISP's DNS is fine, but public DNS servers like Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, Google 8.8.8.8, and Quad9 9.9.9.9 are usually faster, more private, and easier to remember. Here's how they compare.