Name service access


  11..  TTaasskkss


  IP networks work with IP numbers. Users understand names. There are
  three ways to obtain an IP number from a machine name:


  +o  The file /etc/hosts.

  +o  An _N_I_S server.

  +o  A _D_N_S server.

  In this screen, you must state in which order these resources will be
  queried (which ones have priority).


  22..  //eettcc//hhoossttss

  The file /etc/hosts generally contains the minimum needed for the
  machine to barely operate. It is usually very small. It may contain an
  alias for a site you often access. Usually, it has priority over other
  resources.


  33..  NNIISS


  _N_I_S is generally used a on private network (under a single
  administration authority). Given its ability to share user accounts
  and other information (more than machine names) over the network, it
  is a natural choice for a private network.  Generally, it has priority
  (if you use it) over DNS.


  44..  bbiinndd

  bind gives you access to a _D_N_S. You must fill in the form "Name server
  specification (DNS)" to make this effective.

  Given the ability to resolve names efficiently on the largest network
  (the Internet), bind is used on networks spanning several
  administrative authorities. It is usually given the lowest priority.