Microsoft Exam  70-291 - DNS

Implementing, Managing, Maintaining Server Network

DNS

DNS (Domain Name System) is worth studying for itself.  For the foreseeable future DNS will be the name resolution scheme not only to find file and print servers, but also to locate Active Directory services.  So knowledge of DNS will be useful long after you pass the exam.

Study Guide for DNS

When you revise, what you need is variety, reading - of course, practical - when ever possible. 

My advice is to begin the practical revision by navigating through all the DNS Server configuration menus:

• DNS Server, itself, Properties
• Forward Lookup, Zones, xyz.com, Properties
• Reverse Lookup Zone

As you check all these tabs, make sure that you understand and could answer questions on the following:

DNS is a huge topic, as an MCT trainer, I can thoroughly recommend TrainSignal because they provide practical hands on training.  In particular, I like the way TrainSignal cover all learning methods, instructor lead, video and of course text material.  You can either take one module, for example DNS or go for a combination of modules.  Learn more about DNS 2003 here

DNS Server, Properties

• Root Hints, why you need to amend them if you are not using the internet. Check the \system32\dns\cache.dns file which keeps a copy if you need to restore Root Hints to default.
• The difference between Event Logging and Debug Logging.
• How the Monitor tab does what says, and checks the server is configured correctly.
• Advanced tab, Round Robin, and BIND.

Forward Lookup Zones

• Active Directory, Primary, Secondary, also Stub Zones.
• Replication Scope. (New in 2003)
• Dynamic Updates, it is after all now - DDNS.
• Subtleties of Secure Updates.
• Concept of being Authoritative for a Zone.  What the Refresh and Retry intervals mean.
• Do not neglect the WINS tab, and 'Do not Replicate this Record'.

All those Record Types

A, Host, MX, not to mention all those _SRV (Resource records).  Know how you would use the Alias or CNAME.  Check the format or syntax of the MX records.

Reverse Lookup Zone

All you really need to know here is that pointer records (PTR) are essential for NSLookup.  It would do no harm to research the in-addr.arpa (or is it in.addr-arpa) you may be asked!

Sundries

DNS has its tentacles in other topics, for example integration with DHCP, IXFR and AXFR counters in performance monitor.

Experiment with the Delegation Wizard, it works just like its counterpart in Active Directory, OUs.  To get started, right click one of your Forward Lookup Zones, then select 'New Delegation' from the short cut menu.

Then there is the client side, the famous Ping and Ipconfig duo; especially all those Ipconfig switches like /flushdns or /registerdns.

To finish where I started, namely, practical experience of DNS settings.  Take the time to explore the TCP/IP properties, advanced, DNS settings, like append parent suffix.  Here is a novel idea, use the ? and ask for help.  Lastly did you know that the Network Icon, has a Support Tab, next to the General Tab?  Moreover there is a repair button to cure IP duplicate address problems.

You may like a refresher of DNS, if so check out this page for the basics.

DNS is a huge topic, as an MCT trainer, I can thoroughly recommend TrainSignal because they provide practical hands on training.  In particular, I like the way TrainSignal cover all learning methods, instructor lead, video and of course text material.  You can either take one module, for example DNS or go for a combination of modules.  Learn more about DNS 2003 here

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