Name server specification: Field descriptions

Next Previous Contents

## 3. Field descriptions

## 3.1 Fields DNS needs for normal operation

Stand-alone machines will generally not use a DNS, unless they connect to a larger network once in a while. Even then, they may use a DNS on this larger network.

Linuxconf checks at different times (boot time for one) for DNS connectivity. If the DNS fails to answer after few seconds, Linuxconf will complain about it and allow you to skip network configuration: A bad DNS configuration or a faulty one are real show stoppers (It often gives the impression the computer is hung).

This test is a saver, except if the machine does not have full time access to a DNS. The check box is just there to tell Linuxconf not to care that much about the DNS. It won't change the operation of the machine besides that.

## 3.2 Default domain

You generally enter the domain you use most, usually the domain of your organization.

## 3.3 Name servers 1 2 and 3

You must enter an IP numbers, not machine names. For a stand-alone which never connects to any larger network, this is optional.

## 3.4 Search domain

An alternative to the default domain is the "Search domain" field. While this adds some overhead to DNS search, it may be a good time saver if you talk regularly to several machines spread over different domains.

Note that using "Search domains" is exclusive to the "default domain" field. Use one or the others.

Next Previous Contents