Domain Name System (DNS) on Microsoft TechNet

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical, distributed database that contains mappings of DNS domain names to various types of data, such as Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. DNS allows you to use friendly names, such as www.microsoft.com, to easily locate computers and other resources on a TCP/IP-based network. DNS is an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standard.

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Domain Name System (DNS) overview
Provides overview information about the Domain Name System (DNS) Server role in Windows Server "8" Beta and DNS Client service in Windows Server "8" Beta and Windows 8 Consumer Preview.
Step-by-Step: Demonstrate DNSSEC in a Test Lab
This guide for Windows Server "8" Beta provides step-by-step instructions for deploying DNSSEC in a test lab. With DNSSEC, non-authoritative DNS servers are able to validate the responses they receive when they query other DNS servers.
Secure Naming Services Technical Preview
Learn about the updates to Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) included in Windows Server "8" Beta that can help protect DNS traffic from man-in-the-middle and spoofing attacks.
DNS in Small Networks Step-by-Step Guide
Download only. This guide helps you implement Domain Name System (DNS) on the Windows Server 2008 operating system in a small network. Windows Server 2008 uses DNS to translate computer names to network addresses.
Active Directory Domain Services and DNS Server Migration Guide
Best practices for migration of an AD DS server and DNS Server from old hardware running Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008 to new hardware running Windows Server 2008 R2.
Best Practices Analyzer for Domain Name System
For use with the Best Practices Analyzer tool in Windows Server 2008 R2. Get the rules update for DNS BPA on the Microsoft Download Center.
Configure a DNS Server to Use Forwarders
A forwarder is a DNS server on a network that is used to send DNS queries for external DNS names to DNSservers outside your network.

Windows Server 2008 R2 Resources

What's New: What's New in Windows in DNS in Server 2008 R2
Includes details about DNSSEC, cache locking, devolution and socket pool.
Migration: Active Directory Domain Services and DNS Server Migration Guide
Best practices for migration from old hardware to new hardware running Windows Server 2008 R2.
Step by step: Core Network Guides for Windows Server 2008 R2
Instructions for planning and deploying the components required for a fully functioning network and a new Active Directory domain in a new forest. Includes DNS, DHCP, NPS, WINS, and TCP/IP. A downloadable version is also available.
Deployment: Secure DNS Deployment Guide
Detailed procedures for configuring and deploying a secure DNS infrastructure using Windows Server 2008 R2, including zones, IPsec, and certificates. Some enhancements to DNS security in Windows Server, such as DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC), are only available with Windows Server 2008 R2.
Deployment: DNSSEC PowerShell Scripts
Six PowerShell scripts to perform key DNS tasks, such as backing up a zone file.
Product Help: DNS in Windows Server 2008 R2 Product Help
Includes a series of essential checklists and procedures.
Operations: DNS Server Operations Guide
Includes best practices and guidance on zones, reverse lookups, client management and more.
Operations: DNSSEC PowerShell Scripts
Six PowerShell scripts to perform key DNS tasks, such as backing up a zone file.
Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting DNS
Troubleshooting info for DNS clients, servers, dynamic updates and zones.
Technical Reference: DNS Technical Reference
Comprehensive technical background. Includes what DNS is, how it works, and related tools and registry entries.

Windows Server 2008 Resources

What's New: What's New in Windows in DNS in Server 2008
Overview of improvements, including background zone loading, IPv6 support and more.
Step by Step: DNS in Small Networks Step-by-Step Guide
Download only. This guide helps you implement Domain Name System (DNS) on the Windows Server 2008 operating system in a small network.
Step by Step: DNS Server GlobalNames Zone Deployment
Download only. Learn how to implement the DNS GlobalNames Zone on Windows Server 2008, a new feature that provides single-label name resolution for large enterprise networks.
Step by Step: Foundation Network Guides for Windows Server 2008
Instructions for planning and deploying the components required for a fully functioning network and a new Active Directory domain in a new forest. Includes DNS, DHCP, NPS, WINS, and TCP/IP. A downloadable version is also available.
Product Help: DNS in Windows Server 2008 Product Help
Includes a series of checklists and procedures.
Operations: MOF Reliability Workbook for Windows Server 2008 DNS Server
Download only. Provides knowledge, specific tasks, and schedules needed to keep Windows Server 2008 DNS Server running smoothly.
Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot DNS Events and Errors
Look up specific event and error codes, and then see how to correct the errors.
Technical Reference: DNS Support for Active Directory Technical Reference
Comprehensive technical background. Specifies how DNS supports Active Directory, how it works, and the related tools and settings.
Technical Reference: DNS Server Global Query Block List
Download only. Learn how the global query block list in Windows Server 2008 can help protect your network's clients from malicious users who use dynamic update to register host computers that pose as legitimate servers.

Windows Server 2003 Resources

Deployment: Deploying DNS
Guidelines and processes for designing and deploying DNS from the Windows Server 2003 Deployment Kit.
Product Help: DNS in Windows Server 2003 Product Help
Includes a series of checklists and procedures.
Operations: DNS Operations Guide
A comprehensive list of Windows Server 2003 DNS Server operations topics. Handy for when you are looking for how to perform a specific task.
Operations: Domain Name System (DNS) Service Product Operations Guide
Download only. Processes and procedures for improving the management of the Windows Server 2003 DNS Server service.
Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting DNS
Troubleshooting info for DNS clients, servers, dynamic updates and zones.
Technical Reference: DNS Technical Reference
Comprehensive technical background. Includes what DNS is, how it works, and related tools and registry entries.

Domain Name System

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