Terminology questions (DNS, A-records, MX records, Static IP, etc)

[Chris]

"Web Guy" <Web at Guy.com> wrote in message news:dk5mru$287g$1 at sf1.isc.org...
> I'm shopping around for an ISP that will provide DSL service to a
> small business.  The business is running a couple of PC's (one with
> SMTP software, the other an HTML server) plus a handful of user PC's,
> all part of a local network.  The business has a registered domain
> name.  Let's say the domain name is "acme.com".
>
> I do not care at all if the ISP is providing any e-mail addresses, or
> web-site hosting space.
>
> What is important is that e-mail sent from anywhere on the internet to
> "someone at acme.com" must find it's way to the SMTP server mentioned
> above.  I believe this requires the ISP to have appropriate MX records
> which are located on their machines somewhere.
>
> Web browsing to "www.acme.com" similarly must be resolved to the
> dedicated IP that has been assigned to the business.
>
> Question 1:  What is the name of the item or service I require from
> the ISP to accomplish the e-mail connectivity as described above?  Do
> I require "MX-record service" or an "A-record" or what?  What is the
> correct name or description of that item?  And is it typically free,
> or is there a monthly charge associated with it?  (or is this a
> function of the domain registrar?)
>
> Question 2:  Similar to question 1, but with regard to HTTP
> functionality (which I believe is generally known as DNS resolution to
> the assigned dedicated IP).  Again, what is this item called, and is
> it typically free, or is there a monthly charge for it?
>


So you want DNS hosting/services then? Most ISP's should be able to host 
your domain name and set up the required MX records and A records etc..

Chris.