One easy way is to try a numeric address where an alphabetic address does not work. If a connection can be made using a numeric address where a alphabetic address failed, you can determine that the Internet network is working at most levels, but that DNS service may be unavailable or not operating efficiently.

On microcomputers, most DNS address are provided automatically by the network, however, if you know an alternate DNS address, you can try changing the server that your computer is talking to in order to determine if the problem is with a particular server or with all DNS servers on your network (part of the network might be down and preventing access to your DNS servers). If you can contact servers on your local network, but not on a remote network, then the remote DNS server may be down. You can test this by trying other addresses on that remote network if you know any.

It is evident by now, that DNS is a critical component of Internet networking. When it works well, the Internet will be easier to use than the telephone. When there are problems, it may appear to you that the whole Internet is broken. Knowing a little about how DNS works can help you describe problems when you are talking to technical support staff.

For example, if a server refuses your connection, that is a problem on that server. If your browser can't find a server you know should be available, this indicates a possible DNS problem. Being able to understand and notice the difference is important. The most common report I've hear over the years is "The is down." If you call and say "The Internet is down," that only narrows the possible problems to a few hundred. Being able to narrow down the problem will help find a solution much more quickly.