How to Use HOSTS File in Lieu of a DNS Server

jbollyn

In ExamCram2, page 95, it says:

For very small networks, you may use a HOSTS file...in lieu of a DNS server.

I understand that I enter IP addresses and host names (each on it's own line) in the HOSTS file. But what exactly does that do for me?

I am trying to gain IIS experience. I am using my home network for this academic exercise.

Thanks for any info.

Jay

Webmaster

Without a DNS server you would have to type the IP address to contact the server instead of a host name, unless you place a mapping in the client's HOSTS file. So when you have an IIS server running a web site but no DNS or HOSTS files, client would have to use the IP address in the address bar of the browser. If you add an entry to the HOSTS file on each client that maps the name 'intranet' for example to the IP address, user can type intranet to contact the website, instead of having to remember an IP address.

jbollyn

I think I understand that now.

So it is like having your own DNS server, but you need to build the table from scratch in your HOSTS file.

Jay

Webmaster

It is what was used before DNS, so yes it basically performs the same function. DNS is a service running on a server, serving many clients, while the HOSTS file needs to be manually congfigured on every client. If a new host is added, or one is changed or removed, you need to edit the hosts files on all the clients, instead of simply adding or changing a record in the central DNS database.

jbollyn

At work, we use Novell, not domains. So I would like to get a little experience with domains and AD on my home network. If I install win2k3 on my home network, can I use the server's HOSTS file as the DNS server? So during the installation, I would just point to 127.0.0.1 as the IP address of the DNS server?

Thanks for any info.

Jay

Ricka182

I think you wouldn't need your hosts file with DNS, as DNS takes the place of the hosts file. The hosts file is on each individual client, while DNS is kept on the central server. One server can be DNS, DHCP, WINS, whatever you configure it to be. Here is some official documents from M$ on 2K3 server. While it may not answer all your questions, it may give those resources.

jbollyn

So are you saying that I first give the server the role of DNS server, and then I should be able to add the roles of DC and AD, by pointing to 127.0.0.1 as the DNS server?

Jay

Ricka182

No, once you promote the server to DC, and create your AD, you could configure the server as DNS server, and on the client you would point to the IP of the server for a DNS server.