Re: [cobalt-users] Re:Primary,secondary,auto-update,thanks

[Jeff Lasman <jblists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Menno M Jansz wrote:

> Just thought I'd add, that it really isnt that difficult. There is loads of info on the web about how it works, and also the raq manual has a
> description and example in Appendix D.

To which I thought I'd add <smile>...

The "Appendix" you refer to, like most human appendices, would probably
best serve us by being removed <wry grin>.  It's biggest problem is what
it leaves out while giving you the impression it tells you all you need
to know about DNS.

For example, would you like to check it for us and let us know the
difference between the default TTL, TTL for individual sub-zones and
other resources defined within DNS (and why the RaQ won't let you do the
latter), and the TTL for subdomains not defined within the zones (so
called "negative" answers)?  While you're at it, how about the
difference between a recursive and a non-recursive nameserver, and
perhaps how to create multiple non-interdependent master nameservers?

Thanks <smile>.

There's often conflicting information on the web, and you really don't
know which is really good information.  Since Acme Byte & Wire was
bought by Network Solutions there really isn't a good independent place
to find authoritative DNS answers on the 'net <frown>.

But Cricket Liu, who wrote the book "DNS and Bind" (O'Reilly) recommends
the DNS Resources Directory at "http://www.dns.net/dnsrd/";.

Cricket is no longer at Acme Byte & Wire; he's now joined "Men & Mice"
(http://www.menandmice.com/), which focuses on the products they sell. 
However, Cricket himself now answers the same kinds of questions he used
to answer at Acme's "Ask Mr. DNS", at "Cricket's DNS Corner", at
"http://www.menandmice.com/9000/9300_DNS_Corner.html";

His most recent Question (and answer) is "What's a good tool for stress
testing a name server?"; I wonder how many of us have stress-tested our
Sun/Cobalt RaQ-based nameservers <smile>?

DNS isn't really _that_ difficult, I agree; after all, I learned it
<smile>.  However it's a lot of specialized knowledge, outside of the
realm of what most of us do every day unless our names happen to be
Cricket Liu, Craig Hunt, or Jeff Lasman <smile>.

It's pretty tedious as well, and like flying, very unforgiving of
mistakes <wry grin>.

Jeff
-- 
Jeff Lasman <jblists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Linux and Cobalt/Sun/RaQ Consulting
nobaloney.net
P. O. Box 52672, Riverside, CA  92517
voice: (909) 778-9980  *  fax: (702) 548-9484