Adding a new domain – a simple example

This article describes how I added a new domain, langille.org, to my DNS.

This
article is not comprehensive. I know there are gaps which may confuse people who are
new to DNS. Please try Getting local names to resolve
(DNS) first.

The zone files

When you register a new domain, the first step is to create the domain on the name
server. I will assume you already have named running and configured
properly. Hopefully, Getting local names to resolve (DNS)
will be helpful if you need to get named running.

The first step was to create
the zone file, /etc/namedb/langille.org.db. In this example, the
following points should be noted and the details modified to suit your situation:

the best source of information for this zone is rock.ghis.net
the contact address for this zone is soa@dvl-software.com
the name servers for this zone are ns.ghis.net and ns.freebsddiary.cx
there are two names defined for this zone: www.langille.org and mail.langille.org,
both of which are aliases for freebsddiary.yi.org, which is defined elsewhere. You
may wish to use examples from my zone files.

@       IN      SOA     rock.ghis.net. soa.dvl-software.com.  (
                                199910281       ; Serial
                                3600            ; Refresh
                                900             ; Retry
                                3600000         ; Expire
                                3600 )          ; Minimum

; name servers

                IN      NS      ns.ghis.net.
                IN      NS      ns.freebsddiary.cx.

                IN      MX      5       freebsddiary.yi.org.
;
; Define the rest of my subnet
;

www                             IN      CNAME     freebsddiary.yi.org.
mail                            IN      CNAME     freebsddiary.yi.org.

Modify named.conf

In order for named to use this zone file, you modify named.conf to include something
like this:

zone "langille.org" {
        type master;
        file "langille.org.db";
};

And then you restart named like this:

ndc reload

Register the domain

Now you should register the domain. I always use http://www.networksolutions.com/.
Well, I used to… until this happened. Since then, I’ve always used an
OpenSRS reseller.

When it’s done

When Network Solutions have done their job, you should be able to do this:

# whois langille.org
The Data in Network Solutions' WHOIS database is provided by Network
Solutions for information purposes, and to assist persons in obtaining
information about or related to a domain name registration record.
Network Solutions does not guarantee its accuracy.  By submitting a
WHOIS query, you agree that you will use this Data only for lawful
purposes and that, under no circumstances will you use this Data to:
(1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass
unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations via e-mail
(spam); or  (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes
that apply to Network Solutions (or its systems).  Network Solutions
reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.  By submitting
this query, you agree to abide by this policy.

Registrant:
DVL Software Limited (LANGILLE2-DOM)
   PO Box 11-310
   Wellington,
   NZ

   Domain Name: LANGILLE.ORG

   Administrative Contact, Technical Contact, Zone Contact:
      Langille, Dan  (DL4720)  dan.langille@DVL-SOFTWARE.COM
      [No phone] [No fax]
   Billing Contact:
      Langille, Dan  (DL4720)  dan.langille@DVL-SOFTWARE.COM
      [No phone] [No fax]

   Record last updated on 27-Oct-1999.
   Record created on 27-Oct-1999.
   Database last updated on 28-Oct-1999 08:30:51 EDT.

   Domain servers in listed order:

   NS.GHIS.NET                  209.222.164.7
   NS.FREEBSDDIARY.CX           210.55.152.212

But what about email?

The above isn’t quite enough to allow you to send/receive for this domain. For
that, you must allow sendmail to relay mail for the domain in
question.