Domain Name System (DNS) is an integral part of client/server communications in Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) networks. DNS is a distributed database that is used in TCP/IP networks to translate computer names into IP addresses.
Microsoft® Windows® 2000 uses DNS as its primary method for name resolution, but continues to support Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS). WINS is the name resolution method that is used in Microsoft Windows NT® version 4.0 and earlier.
The DNS Server service in Windows 2000 provides the ability to use hierarchical fully qualified domain names (FQDNs), instead of the NetBIOS naming conventions that WINS supports. Clients use the DNS Server service for name resolution and service location, including locating domain controllers that provide user authentication.
To see an animation about basic Windows 2000 DNS Server service concepts, click your modem speed or Download below.
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(Requires the Microsoft Windows Media Player.) |
If you require additional basic information about DNS, see
"Key Concepts of DNS".
The Windows 2000 implementation of DNS includes several new features that improve upon the DNS capabilities that are provided in Windows NT 4.0, and ease the administrative burden of maintaining DNS. These features include the new SRV (service) resource record, incremental zone transfer, integration with the Active Directory directory service, and support for dynamic updates. In addition, Windows 2000 provides configuration wizards and other tools to help you manage and support DNS name servers and clients on your network.
At the end of this module, you will be able to: