Abstract: A method of providing Internet hosting and access is described. A database is used to store hosting and access descriptors. The hosting and access descriptors describe the configuration of Internet services such as HTTP, SMTP, POP3, IMAP4, and FTP for a hosted site. When a client over the Internet, or other network, requests a service from the hosted domain, the DNS system is interfaced to the database to select a computer to use to support the requested access. The database can also be used to store load information about the computers available for providing Internet hosting and access. Once the DNS system selects a computer and returns the IP address of the computer to the client, the subsequent communications are between the client and the selected computer directly. The selected computer can access the database to retrieve configuration information to respond to service requests from clients.