Before you begin the process of installing and configuring the DNS Server service in Windows 2000, it is important to review some basic concepts of DNS. The purpose of this presentation is to review basic DNS concepts prior to learning about the new features and enhancements in the Windows 2000 DNS Server service.

If you require additional basic information about DNS, see "Key Concepts of DNS".

Click View Presentation to view the Basics of the Domain Name System presentation.

As you you view the multimedia presentation, try to identify answers to the following questions:

  1. Describe the hierarchical structure of the domain namespace.
  2. Answer

    The root domain is at the top of the domain structure and is represented by a period. Below the root domain, top-level domains can be represented by an organizational type, such as com or edu, or a geographic location, such as au for Australia. Second-level domains are registered to individuals or organizations and can have many subdomains.

  3. Explain the purpose of the FQDN.
  4. Answer

    The FQDN describes the exact relation of a host to its domain. DNS uses the FQDN to resolve a host name to an IP address.

  5. What is stored in a zone database file, and where is the zone database file stored?
  6. Answer

    The name-to-IP address data for computers that are located in a zone are stored in a zone database file on a DNS name server.

  7. What is a forward lookup query?
  8. Answer

    A forward lookup query is a request to resolve a name to an IP address.

  9. When would a local DNS name server send a query to a root DNS name server?
  10. Answer

    A local DNS name server sends a query to a root name server when a client sends a forward lookup query requesting an IP address from a domain for which the local DNS name server does not have authority.