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

The primary role of the Domain Name System (DNS) is to resolve resource names to IP addresses. This function is crucial because it allows users to access websites using human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) instead of needing to remember complex numeric IP addresses (such as 192.0.2.1). When a user enters a domain name in their web browser, a DNS query is initiated, which translates that domain name into the corresponding IP address, enabling seamless communication between the user's device and the website's server.

This process is fundamental to the functioning of the internet, as it simplifies navigation and enhances user experience. It allows services and devices on the internet to locate each other effectively, ensuring that data can be sent to and from the correct locations. Without DNS, users would be forced to utilize IP addresses directly, making it far more challenging to navigate online resources.

In contrast, the other options describe functions that are not related to DNS. Managing network hardware pertains to physical or logical management of devices in a network, encrypting communication involves securing data transmissions, and storing user credentials securely relates to authentication systems. These functions, while crucial in their respective domains, do not pertain to the primary purpose of the Domain Name System.