Apple Mac OS X Server (Administrator’s Guide) - Manual (Page 518)

518 Chapter 14
For example, a server in a domain would be host1.example.com, a server in a subdomain
would be host2.good.example.com. The DNS server for example.com keeps track of
information for its subdomains, such as host (or computer) names, static IP addresses,
aliases, and mail exchangers.
The range of IP addresses for use with a given domain must be clearly defined before setup.
These addresses are used exclusively for one specific domain (never by another domain or
subdomain). The range of addresses should be coordinated with your network administrator
or ISP.
Step 2: Configure BIND
BIND is the name of the program included with Mac OS X Server that implements DNS. It is
also called the name daemon, or named, when the program is running. To set up and
configure BIND, you need to modify the configuration file and the zone file.
The configuration file is located in this directory:
/etc/named.conf
The zone file name is based on the IP address of the server and begins with “db.” For
example, the zone file db.192.168.12 is located in this directory:
/var/named/db.192.168.12
See “Inside DNS Service (Configuring BIND)” on page 520 for more information.
Step 3: Set up a mail exchange (MX) record (optional)
If you provide mail service over the Internet, you need to set up an MX record for your
server. For more information about this, read the next section.
Step 4: Start DNS service
Mac OS X Server includes GUI tools to start and stop DNS service.
See “Starting and Stopping DNS Service” on page 518 for more information.
Managing DNS Service
Mac OS X Server provides a simple interface for starting and stopping DNS service as well as
viewing logs and status. Changing DNS settings requires configuring BIND from the
command line and is not covered here.
Starting and Stopping DNS Service
Use this procedure to start or stop DNS Service.