DNS Records

[axslinger]

This is kind of a generic question. When configuring a dns server, is it necessary to manually enter host information or does the DNS server build a database "on the fly"? I've read so many articles about DNS but they never mention where the hell the DNS server gets its data from! There seems to be a trend of an overabundance of technical documentation for many IT topics but very little documentation on practical setup, use and configuration. I don't underestimate the importance of the inner workings but lets face it, the guy that designs rockets probably wouldn't have a clue how to fly it once it's built!

Thanks,
Brian

 

[lgerlt]

Haven't done but have seen Win2K DNS server that "builds" its own records. There are a bunch of special files that have to be copied from the system and and placed in the dns zone. Then you have to enable dymanic updates (for both the forward and reverse zones).

 

[AndyMac]

Win2K DNS will build it's own records from the workstations etc that are members of the domain. It is also perculiar in that there are special Active Directory records required for location of objects in the DNS. Don't know of any other dynamic DNS's though. We also use BIND which uses a simple text file of records (much easier to manage than NT which is all registry based).