What is the primary function of a Domain Name System (DNS)?

The primary function of a Domain Name System (DNS) is to resolve hostnames to IP addresses. When you enter a web address into your browser, such as www.example.com, DNS translates that human-readable domain name into the numerical IP address that computers use to identify each other on the network. This process is crucial for enabling users to access websites and services without needing to remember complex numerical IP addresses, simplifying the web browsing experience.

The other choices do not accurately represent the primary function of a DNS. While managing internet connections, encrypting user data, and storing user credentials are important aspects of internet technology and security, they fall outside the scope of what DNS specifically does. DNS focuses solely on the resolution of names to IP addresses, which is essential for the functionality of the internet.