You always need a DNS, however you ISP takes care of that.
DNS servers translate URLs to IPs.
However, alot of site you should me able to, for example
google.com should give you the same result as
www.google.com.
If it doesn't you could try to ping both domains by doing the following:
- If you are on Windows XP/2000/2000: click
Start >
Run > enter "
cmd > press
OK
- If you are on Windows 95/98/ME: click
Start >
Run > enter "
command > press
OK
Now type "
ping google.com, press
<ENTER> and see if it responds.
Then type "
ping www.google.com, press
<ENTER> and see if it responds.
If only google.com responds and not www.google.com then it is probally a DNS issue i think, you could phone your ISP about it if it really bothers you.
If both hosts respond it is more likely a setting in your browser i think, or maybe some mis-configured firewall/adblocker that only allows hosts starting with www?
Just my 2 euro-cents.