OT: Domain Registration

[Bill Moran]

On Tue, 25 Apr 2006 11:44:22 -0000 (UTC)
martin at orbweavers.co.uk wrote:

> 
> Hi All,
> 
>    I know this is off topic, but I can't think of a good place to ask this
> where knowledgable people will answer, and this list usually has a high
> tolerence of ot but technical questions (plus I will be using a FreeBSD
> server, so it is not _entirely_ OT :)
> 
>    I'm looking to setup my server as a domain name server. I already have
> it setup for internal use, but last time when I tried to have the
> internet at large using it, I had real trouble explaining to my ISP
> that I wanted my server as the main domain controller, the best they
> could do was pointing www.domain to my server. They wern't even
> able/willing to point the mx record directly to my server, it goes
> through their relay first.
> 
>    It has done the job so far, and there is really no reason why I can't
> manage with this, but I am getting a new domain and would like to get
> it all sorted out the way I would like (my main justification for
> hosting it myself is the flexibility to add on sub-domains and such,
> but the real reason is that I am a control freak and like to tinker).
> 
>   I assume what should happen is
> 
>       - I buy a domain from registrar X
>       - X sets that domain to point to my dns server as the master server
>       - X hosts a secondary dns server
>       - I can then add subdomains to my domain which will directly
> propagate on the internet, set the various MX and ilk to whatever I
> want etc. without having to contact a 3rd party
> 
>   My further assumptions are
>       - The secondary server will either update from my server directly OR
> I will need to contact X to add anything new for me.
> 
>   My questions are -
>      a) Are my assumptions correct?

More or less.  If you use BIND and standard zone transfers, your backup
DNS can get updates automatically.

>      b) What would be the best way to explain this to a phone drone?

I doubt you'll be able to.  In my experience, phone drones have zero
understanding of DNS.  You're going to need the issue escalated, which
is usually a major task in itself.

With most ISPs, what you're asking for is an additional service that
adds an extra monthly charge.  It usually requires you to have a
"business class" account with them as well.

>      c) Can anyone recommend a good registrar that will be able to set
> this up with minimum fuss (and cost)?

Haven't used them in a while, but in spite of the overdone advertising,
godaddy is pretty useful.  I believe they can even host your DNS for
you, which means you don't have to set up your own server, but you
can tell godaddy to point records wherever you want.

>      d) Are there any good reasons not to do it this way (remember, this
> is not a mission critical setup, and its main purpose is to tinker)

Not really.  Especially if it's for tinkering.

-- 
Bill Moran
Collaborative Fusion Inc.