• Knowledge Base: DNS


    1. The entry made in my DNS is not working, what could be wrong?
    2. Can I setup name server alias if I have bind DNS installed?
    3. DNS online references and Links
    4. What are the benefits of having my own DNS/Bind Name Server?
    5. DNS/Bind first time setup.
    6. What are Reverse DNS Pointers? And who needs them?
    7. How do I add a parked domain to my DNS?
    8. What type of DNS support is provided?

    1. The entry made in my DNS is not working, what could be wrong? - Top


    Usually this happens when you forget to restart the DNS server after the entry is made. A new entry wont be broadcast until the DNS/Bind server is restarted.

    - Updated: September 1, 2001

    2. Can I setup name server alias if I have bind DNS installed? - Top

    Though we dont provide support for additional aliases we donot prohibit you from setting them up.

    You will need to do the following:

    1. Two of your available IPs will be required.
    2. Make a A record for each name server in your DNS, with the unique ips.
    3. Have your client register the name servers.
    4. Enter each name server with its ip in /etc/hosts. Use the following format.

      IP# nameserver NS_prefix

      Example:
      12.456.23.90 ns1.yournameserver.net ns1

    5. You will need to send us the ips so we can activate them on your server and list them under your account so the IP autoreplenish system knows there being used.


    - Updated: September 1, 2001

    3. DNS online references and Links - Top

    OLM DNS overview pdf

    Ask Mr. DNS

    Bind online FAQ

    Webmonkeys overview on DNS servers

    Network solutions host form



    - Updated: May 9, 2001

    4. What are the benefits of having my own DNS/Bind Name Server? - Top

  • Complete control over domains
  • Ability to park domains without an additional fee
  • Ability to make MX record changes without an additional fee
  • Real name servers provide greater anonymity
  • Access to an intuitive web-based interface to make any changes/modifications


    - Updated: March 11, 2001

    5. DNS/Bind first time setup. - Top

    You can do your initial setup of bind one of two ways, from your web GUI or by logging in to the Unix shell with a telnet program.

    The primary DNS ip should always be the same
    IP as the main server sent in your login. Any of your other ips can be used for secondary. Just be sure not to use the secondary DNS ip for a domain your hosting also.

    Using telnet, the fastest way.

    1. Setup the primary domain (dont check enter DNS box)
    2. Log into your server with telnet
    3. Become root user
    4. Type client_tools than hit return
    5. Goto the DNS menu and select initial setup
    6. Enter the information requested


    Using the Web GUI.

    Goto the Web GUI DNS startup instructions.

    If you have any questions please contact support.

    - Updated: May 10, 2001

    6. What are Reverse DNS Pointers? And who needs them? - Top

    When users request a specific web site/page, Linux servers use the Address Resolution Protocol to convert domain names to an IP address that they can connect to so as to retrieve the data/information. Reverse DNS Pointers enable this authentication of the web address (IP number) and identify the exact location where the web page resides.

    Clients managing their own servers need Reverse DNS Pointers. For example: name servers, www, mail and FTP servers.

    - Updated: March 15, 2001

    7. How do I add a parked domain to my DNS? - Top

    Below find two ways of setting up a parked, one which is automated the other if you prefer to do it manually.

    Short way -

    1. Log into your server and become root user.
    2. type client_tools then return
    3. Go to DNS menu and follow prompts.


    Long way
    Configure 1: (DNS entries)

    1. Log into your Appliance Administrator
    2. Click on 'Services'.
    3. Click on the ‘Configure DNS/BIND Name Server’ icon.
    4. Click on ‘Add New Zone’.
    5. Enter the domain you want to park and click 'Add'.
    6. You should see a ‘Status: Successful’ screen.
    7. Then click List 'Zones'.
    8. Click on the parked domain you just added.
    9. Click on the pull–down menu and choose ‘Add Address (A) Record’.
    10. In the Hostname domain field, type in ‘www’ and in the IP address field, type in the IP address of the domain you want to park to.
    11. Click on ‘Add’.
    12. You should get a ‘Status: Successful’ screen, with the addition of the www entry.
    13. Similarly add two more Host (A) entries for mail.mycompany.com and mycompany.com.
    14. You should get a ‘Status: Successful’ screen.
    15. Click on ‘Add Mail Exchange (MX) Record’.
    16. Leave the main domain entry blank.
    17. In the Mail Server field enter ‘mail.masterdomain.com’.
      Note: The mail server should be for the main domain your parking to.
    18. You should get a ‘Status: Successful’ screen
      Next click on 'Services'.
    19. Click on the ‘Restart DNS/BIND Name Server’ icon.
    20. You should get ‘Status: Successful’ screen.


    Configure 2: (Activate mail for parked)

    1. Telnet to the WEBppliance machine.
    2. Login as admin, then change user to root (su)
    3. Edit the /etc/virtualhosting/sendmail file.
      Add an entry for the parked domain in the form of:
      E.g.
      main.domain.com derrick
      parked.domain.com derrick
      ** Make sure there no carriage return after your entry**
    4. Edit the /etc/sendmail.cw
      E.g.
      parked.domain.com
    5. Edit the /home/virtual/user/etc/sendmail.cw file.
      Add an entry for the parked domain.
      E.g.
      main.domain.com
      parked.domain.com
    6. Type: 'sendmail.restart' than hit return to finish.


    - Updated: April 26, 2001

    8. What type of DNS support is provided? - Top

    When you purchase your private server, our techs can assist you with the initial configuration of your DNS software this is done at no cost. This is all you will need to get started. Each time you add a domain it will be automatically added to your DNS.
    (Further assistance may be subject to extra charges)

    We do suggest you get a book like O'reillys "DNS and Bind" or read the online resources available so you better understand how they work.

    - Updated: April 20, 2001

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