Running my own name server for my domain

[Clemson]

I'm a bit confussed at the process for running your own DNS.

I would like to run a domain off my PC using Apache and also run a name server on the same machine.

Is this possible??

My main confussion comes from the fact that the Registrars ask for your name server in the format

dns1.xyz.com instead of the IP of the computer it is on. So, if I wanted to run domain xyz.com off my PC then it would

seem that the name server would have to be something like dns.xyz.com. However, I don't understand

how anyone could ever reach my name server if I never supplied my IP.


So, long story short, how could I go about running the DNS and domain on the same PC.

Thanks

J

 

[N11]

You need to register your nameserver(s) with the registrar for your domain including the host name and ip for each nameserver.

Your nameserver info will then be propogated globally.

 

[Clemson]

I only have one IP, so what would I put for my second dns?

 

[Kell]

Well, that depends. I don't think you can have your nameserver on the same IP as your domain IP, but I might be wrong. If I'm right, you can just use EasyDNS for absolutely no cost.

 

[Buddha Bart]

Yes this is possible.

I for instance, use DomainMonger. Thier normal forms for filling out your DNS server won't work (as they expect a name like you mention) but at the bottom they have a link that says something like "Use DNS for your site located at your site".

It'll probably take some digging and mabey a phonecall to find the option with your registrar.

Here's a trick though, you're gonna want to setup your nameserver first then go asking them to enter it. Because when they do try and enter it they first send it a message that asks "are you the nameserver for such and such domain" and if your's isnt setup, they won't add it.

bart

 

[Clemson]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll give it a whirl.

J

 

[Need4Speed]

why not just set up a non-authoritative name server to do DNS caching?

 

[Clemson]

I got the BIND name server running on my PC, so I have a primary server. However,
registrars require a second dns. Any suggestions as to what I might do for the second?

I found a lik for http://www.granitecanyon.com/, which offers free primary and secondary
dns, but they are asking for a password before you can do anything and I don't know what
I'm supposed to be entering in there.

Any ideas?
Thanks,
J

 

[Bleep]

Nameservers are mostly free use things. I register my domain with domain monger they will forward it free, I have it forwarded to dyns.com which forwards it to my server here at my feet.
Another way to go is to transfer your domain to Zone Edit and they forward it anywhere you want it + a free catchall mail server. It is also free.
Bleep

 

[geoff2k]

I got the BIND name server running on my PC, so I have a primary server. However,
registrars require a second dns. Any suggestions as to what I might do for the second?

http://www.secondary.com/ is your friend. Free for < 5 domains!

 

[Clemson]

Thanks for your help. I think I've got everything working correctly. I just have to
wait 24-48 hours for the DNS entry to propogate around the world.

I found another free secondary DNS service in the UK, which is darn good
for redundancy, although my site won't be getting enough hits to really need it.

The service I used was www.twisted4life.com

Thanks again.

 

[hungrygoose]

will this setup make it to where you can register domain names yourself as opposed to paying some company to register them??....or am i completely on the wrong page here

 

[kylef]

It means that he will now be able to register unlimited names underneath his domain by doing so himself.

For instance, if he had registered the domain clemson.com then after setting up his own DNS server he could then register things like machine1.clemson.com, www.clemson.com, and good.old.server.clemson.com. Ad infinitum.