HI I am using windows 2003 server. I want to configure DNS server on my internal network which which consists of 40 computers. I want to know why DNS server is compulsory for internal network.If there are 1000 client computers then all computers names shows be resolved there DNS server and if we skip DNS from the network then what will happen...?Should the clients, server work efficiency will be low without DNS? Yes i know that DNS resolve Name to IP and IP to name .

Look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain... And here: http://www.dns.net/dnsrd/docs/whati... Or were you looking for a simple definition? Life's more painless for the brainless.

DNS is required for name resolution within your domain aswell as outside of it.The DNS server will contain all PTR and A records in regards to clients within the domain. When a DNS server is unable to find a record within its domain it makes a recursive query to other DNS servers (normally the root hints in DNS or forwarders) and the query is forwarded outside of its network and the FQDN returned by an authoritative server. NOTE NETBIOS name resolution also occurs by default if all clients are on the same subnet. Windows can use DNS or WINS for name resolution. BUT DNS is far more efficient and future proof. WINS is an old protocol that is not robust very chatty (UDP) and isnt capable of traversing routers. Also note DNS CANNOT work without an Active Directory domain controller. They are intrinsic and MUST be installed and able to communicate with each other in order to have DNS working effectively.So the simple answer is YES your network will be far more inefficient without AD and without DNS. MCSE MCSA:messaging MCP MCTS CSSA ITILv2 CCNA VCP3

thanj\ks for your reply. Please let me know that what is good practive to install DNS 1-Fist install AD then configure DNS or 2-Configure DNS 1st and then AD. Well i have configure my local DNS using class "C" after installing AD in windows 2000 server. with the DNS name domain1.local Under this head there are four folders i.e _msdcs _sites _tcs _udp what are that and what are there purpose. Ok in windows server 2003 when i configure my local DNS it does't show me these folers.Please let me know why. thanks.

When you install your first domain controller (AD) a DNS server must be present. If it is not the active directory wizard installs DNS on that server.The folders you see are the directory structure throughout DNS. DNS is a long and complex subject.If you dont understand the basic fundamentals of what you are doing i suggest you get some Microsoft press and read up on it. MCSE MCSA:messaging MCP MCTS CSSA ITILv2 CCNA VCP3