A name server is a library, and DNS records are the catalog. The process for updating your DNS records is different for each web host.

In this context, I’m talking about the software—like Apache or nginx—which you can set up on your own desktop computer. That machine will then act as a web server.

Web Served, the finale: Congrats, you have a Web server! What’s next? Analytics, DIY Twitter, e-mail hosting—we've got the hookup on neat stuff to try next.