Web Server

[gptreven]

I have my own web server setup, apache rocks!! Now I wish to attach my domain name to my static IP address. Do I need to let swiftel know before I point the domain name to my static IP or not?

Anyones help is appreciated..

Cheers

GT

[Affinity]

That depends.

Whom is going to do the DNS hosting for you? If it is Swiftel, then get that setup through them. Myself, I use www.zoneedit.com for this -- once you get the name servers, you go back to you domain reseller and enter the details. Then you are away as soon as the worldwide dns servers catch up with the new information.

[gptreven]

Why can't you just point the nameserver directly yo my own ip address then?

[sticky_chicken]

Why can't you just point the nameserver directly yo my own ip address then?


The way DNS works is that you need someone (be it yourself, or another party) to manage your domain for you. If you (like me) want to do that yourself, then you'll need to run your own name server.

DNS isn't difficult, it just needs a little understanding. Once you've got that understanding, it's a sinch to do.

The name server that is authoritative for your domain has "A" records in the "zone" file for your domain. These "A" records map www.your.domain.whatever to your IP address.

If you're interested further in reading, get yourself a copy of the O'Reiley book "DNS and BIND" - it's the DNS bible.

[boxy]

Do I need to let swiftel know before I point the domain name to my static IP or not?

The answer to this question is no. Swiftel do offer domain hosting services but you can use whoever you like.

However, if you want reverse lookups (which allow the name of your webserver to be determined from your ip address) to work, then you will need to apply for reverse DNS hosting. This is generally not needed for web hosting.

HTH,
Scott