DNS and Workgroups

[Jeff Helps]

Hi All

I've got a 2 part question about:
1.) whether Windows 2000 Server, 2000 Pro and XP Pro can
use a Linux server running DNS for name resolution
funcioning as a workgroup with the 2000 server as a file
server.
2.) and whether the 10 client pc's can use the Linux
server using only TCP/IP with NetBIOS over TCP/IP
disabled, in order to improve network connectivity as
there are no 9x/NT clients on our network?

The Linux server is hosting DNS as well as our proxy
connections to the net and also runs as an email server.

Our reason for wanting to do this is simplicity of
network problems due to the other five divisions that
connect to us and all the routing that is involved and
the consistant errors we have to troubleshoot just to
find more the next day.

I know how to setup DNS on a domain but have not studied
anything about DNS registrations on a Linux box for
Windows clients on a workgroup using TCP/IP with NetBIOS
disabled and if it's possible.

I'd greatly appreciate any help given!!!

 

[Roland Hall]

:
: I've got a 2 part question about:
: 1.) whether Windows 2000 Server, 2000 Pro and XP Pro can
: use a Linux server running DNS for name resolution
: funcioning as a workgroup with the 2000 server as a file
: server.

Not knowing anything about the Linux box makes it difficult to comment. The
Linux box is private and public?! Are we to assume you're running W2K
Server w/o AD? And if not, then your DNS should be on the W2K box, not the
Linux.

: 2.) and whether the 10 client pc's can use the Linux
: server using only TCP/IP with NetBIOS over TCP/IP
: disabled, in order to improve network connectivity as
: there are no 9x/NT clients on our network?

Use the Linux server for what?

: The Linux server is hosting DNS as well as our proxy
: connections to the net and also runs as an email server.

So, you chosen to limit functionality for your users by eliminating the use
of MS Exchange.

: Our reason for wanting to do this is simplicity of
: network problems due to the other five divisions that
: connect to us and all the routing that is involved and
: the consistant errors we have to troubleshoot just to
: find more the next day.

Jeff... C'mon. You really don't believe that adding an additional OS into
your network configuration simplifies it, do you? You have a W2K server, no
9x or NT boxes, which in itself simplifies quite a bit. Now you've added a
Linux box to simply network connectivity issues?

: I know how to setup DNS on a domain but have not studied
: anything about DNS registrations on a Linux box for
: Windows clients on a workgroup using TCP/IP with NetBIOS
: disabled and if it's possible.

....probably because this is not the norm. You just told us you have DNS
setup on Linux. What does that have to do with your domain or are you
referring to IP domain? Please be more specific here. W2K DNS with AD is
!= *nix DNS. It's apples and gophers.

: I'd greatly appreciate any help given!!!

What do you REALLY need the Linux box to do? Is there a router involved?
How do the other locations connect to yours? Please be specific.

--
Roland Hall
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[Rob Elder, MVP]

As long as the Linux server is running a BIND version that supports dynamic
update it should work fine. Just point the clients to this server.

I do agree with Roland, though. Another OS does complicate your setup.