Each computer connected to the Internet has a unique IP address, much like a telephone number, that enables computers across the Internet to share information, and users with an Internet connection to access that information. An IP address consists of four numbers ranging from 0 to 255, separated by periods (for example, 123.45.67.89). Your server has an IP address that was assigned to it when it was first set up.
Although it is possible for client programs to access an Internet server location through its IP address, it can be difficult to remember a set of numbers for each of your favorite server locations, such as Web sites. That’s why the Domain Name Service (DNS) is so useful.
DNS associates numeric IP addresses with textual domain names such as “domain-name.com.” Domain names are typically much easier to remember than IP addresses, and they also help build your Internet identity. You choose a domain name for your server during the order process.