Dynamic DNS/Workstations

[juniorb2000]

Right, I may get shot down with this one an told to go and read stuff but here goes anyway....I understand how Dynamic DNS updates work and I know exactly how to configure them. I see the benefits of of using it to in environments where new servers are being added/removed/changed on a regular basis. My question is this though. Why do you even need DNS entries for users workstations, dynamic or otherwise at all?(i know why they're required for servers!!)

This may be slightly niave as although we've just moved our DNS/DHCP to MS and we do have AD running, currently no-one logs into AD as File/Print is all running on Netware.

If/When we decide to move our file/print to MS and want everyone authenticating to AD, do the workstations require DNS entries then? If not, I go back to origional question, of why at all?

Huge thanks in advance to anyone who help.

 

[WhoKilledKenny]

You don't, but as an administrator I would like to be able to connect to workstations, over the network, to resolve client issues. If I can't resolve the hostname of the workstation to its IP Address, it would make it that much more of a challenge to manage the workstation. Also, what if you wanted to install enterprise applications like SMS and/or anti-virus servers. Pushing software to hostnames is much easier than IP Addresses.

 

[DG659]

i think i could remember posibly 8 IP addresses on a net work .But names i could remember maybe 100

 

[juniorb2000]

Cool, thanks for that. However, we have some in house developed software that runs from the script and displays the IP address on the desktop and then we use VNC to connect to them. Also, we have over 4000 workstations nationwide so remembering the names of afew would not be of that much help.

Good point about SMS though, hadn't thought of that. Its not something we currently use but may very well in the future as we move more towards MS(for better for worse!) Any other benefits for Workstation records? Basically, I've just completely restructured our DNS and as well as being very functional, it also looks 'neat and tidy'. If I don't need these extra records, then I don't want to add them.

Another slightly different but related question. When I add our 2nd Domain Controller, if Dynamic updates are not running, will it add the relevant new SRV records to DNS or will I have to manually copy them from netlogon.dns on the new server?

Huge thanks for all your answers with this. I've been given a blank sheet to work with so want to get things right from the start!!

 

[WhoKilledKenny]

Couple of things...
I would use MS remote desktop instead of VNC. VNC stores password in clear test within the reqistry, security issue for our company.

Dynamic DNS will keep your host file tidy...

When you run dcpromo you have to communicate with DNS. Make sure you are pointing to the correct domain and check the "Register this conection's addresses in DNS" check box on the DNS tab of your network properties. You will not have to do any manual configuration of service records.

 

[juniorb2000]

Thanks alot, just gotta say this Forum is a god send. I've learnt plenty just by flicking through it, as well as my posts.

As regards VNC, it was implemented before I joined as an interim measure I think and we're still using it. I'll make some suggestions to the 'cheese' about the way the forward...

Thanks again.

 

[MTVW]

DDNS is not needed for clients....as long as you have good ole WINS...which is just about the same thing.

 

[WhoKilledKenny]

you mean good OLD WINS