root hints

A small file built into DNS resolver (glossary)resolver The DNS server that looks up domain names on behalf of users. Full definition of resolver software that lists the names and IP addresses (glossary)IP Internet Protocol The internet's basic rules for sending data, using numeric addresses for every connected device. Full definition of IP of the root servers (glossary)root server A server that answers for the DNS root zone and points to TLD servers. Full definition of root server. A resolver needs it to find its first server when it starts. IANA (glossary)IANA Internet Assigned Numbers Authority The functions that coordinate the root zone, IP addresses and protocol numbers. Full definition of IANA publishes the official version. Changes to a root server's address make old copies partly outdated.