The Unsung Hero: How DNS Makes the Internet Tick (and Keeps You Safe)  Have you ever typed a web address into your browser and instantly landed on the intended website? It might seem like magic, but behind the scenes, a crucial service called the Domain Name System (DNS) is working its invisible magic. But DNS isn't just about convenience; it also plays a significant role in network performance and security.  Think of DNS as a big phonebook for the internet. Instead of memorizing long strings of numbers (IP addresses) to access websites, we use user-friendly domain names (like "https://www.google.com/"). DNS translates domain names into their corresponding IP addresses, allowing your computer to connect to the right website.  Here's why DNS is a vital player in both network performance and security:  Speeding Up Your Browsing: DNS acts like a cache, storing previously looked up website addresses. This means when you revisit a familiar website, the connection is much ...