What does DNS stand for?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is a critical component of the internet's functionality, serving as the phonebook of the internet. The primary role of DNS is to translate human-friendly domain names, like www.example.com, into machine-readable IP addresses, such as 192.0.2.1. This translation allows users to access websites without needing to remember complex numerical addresses, facilitating a more user-friendly internet experience.

Understanding DNS is essential for anyone involved in IT support or networking, as it plays a vital role in ensuring that user requests are directed to the correct servers. By simplifying the way we access resources on the internet, DNS enhances overall accessibility and usability, which is crucial for effective network management and troubleshooting.

The other choices represent terms that do not correspond accurately to the widely accepted definition or functionality of DNS, making them less relevant in this context.