Configuring the Domain Name Service

If you use BIND, you need not update every computer's /etc/hosts file each time you add a computer to the network. Instead, a Domain Name Service (DNS) server adds the new computer to its hostname database and answers address requests from DNS clients on the local network and (if connected) outside networks or the Internet.

Your system is configured by default to use the network hosts file /etc/hosts found on each computer. You may want to configure and use DNS instead if:

• Your network is large (over ten computers) and regularly adds and deletes hosts.

• Your network is connected to the Internet.

Basic DNS configuration consists of editing a DNS configuration file and, if needed, a resolution file. Advanced configuration requires thorough knowledge of the configuration files and how they interact with one another.

See also:

• ``How DNS works''

• ``Basic DNS configuration''

• ``Advanced DNS configuration''

• ``Administering and troubleshooting DNS''

• ``IP address'' for information on configuring an Internet address

• Name Server Operations Guide for BIND

• BIND Configuration File Guide

• BIND Configuration Guide -- Master File Format