FOR
Extremely sturdy and simple domain name system management, brought to the desktop, wherever the server is.
AGAINST
None observed.
VERDICT
Feature-filled and yet natural to use, this software makes remote DNS management efforts productive. Design and modification can be accomplished from virtually any Windows based PC now, where formerly you had to have a Mac at hand.

Design and modification can be accomplished from virtually any Windows based PC now, where formerly you had to have a Mac at hand.

The domain name system (DNS) links servers around the world, effectively enabling the translation of names into Internet protocol (IP) addresses. DNS servers in effect link the Internet together, serving as lookup directories. Resource records, containing specific information about web sites (type, location, resources, owners and so on) are compiled together as 'zones.' DNS servers are the receptacles for these 'zones,' and also contain software to elicit directory information about other zones by maintaining a dialog with other servers.

Of course, DNS software running these servers has significant work to do, controlling and updating its own zones, but also handling queries (both inward and outward) addressed to other DNS servers. Editing part of a DNS can be quite complex. Essentially a DNS server contains data in strict record format, and this is normally managed locally, by the system to which the server is physically attached. The information in the DNS database is required (for linkage, locating web sites, and for some forms of email) by all sorts of computers, including PCs - but traditionally it has been usual to employ a UNIX programmer to set up the necessary updates to the local DNS server.

This no longer need be so. All kinds of DNS servers, whatever their platform, can be managed and edited from a single program on a different computer altogether. This management program can run under Windows on a PC, and it can update DNS servers under different platforms - simultaneously if desired. Furthermore, this manager has an 'intuitive' interface, and sports wizards to guide the novice through common processes. It includes not only features but security points that aim to give DNS management a greater stability than has been available before.

Among the problems with the administration of an application that includes a DNS server is the innate complexity of the process of maintaining directories, and it is to this point QuickDNS is primarily addressed. Running now on a Windows OS PC (earlier versions of this product operated only under UNIX or other related platforms), it revolutionizes previously available DNS management programs both in speed and in simplicity of operation. For example you can edit a DNS server even through a dial-up line: no need to be connected to it directly.

Even installation is simplified, and using the wizards provided you can readily install QuickDNS and start a rudimentary zone. Even a novice, knowing a minimum about DNS, will be able to master the installation process. In the early stages no special knowledge or skill is required, and you should have your DNS management system in place within minutes. The zone editor function is able to work with large zones, and can deal with multiple zones by integrating their DNS infrastructure. Add to this the fact that you can have a version of QuickDNS operating on top of UNIX and you will appreciate that you are effectively given the opportunity to administer your DNS server from anywhere.

When using QuickDNS you will find a powerful and intelligent type-ahead service and this is followed up by a brilliant syntax checker, preventing many of the possible mistakes. (Many of these mistakes have been exploited by hackers, so this measure adds materially to system security). The architecture employed in the package is that of client and server, capitalizing on the variety of systems connected on the Net. With distinct programs linked to a common console (which provides the actual management interface on the PC), not only UNIX, but Linux and Windows NT DNS servers can be coordinated. Implementation of DNS management through a PC based console gets around another problem: there is no need for a UNIX-based editor, which would provide problems to administrators not familiar with UNIX. [Ed note: The company says that a multi-user version is coming soon with support for Windows 2000 DNS Server, enabling users to manage BIND and Windows 2000 DNS from the same interface.]

The ease with which both installation and management are performed enables you to make better use of personnel: administrators with less training and lower responsibility can be set to work with DNS management. Since time needed for training is reduced, and simpler operation makes for less time lost during all stages of DNS management, the most highly skilled administrators can be set aside for more complex jobs. There are less expensive - even free - DNS editors, but while using one of them there are pitfalls at every step of the way. Not only do you lose the flexibility of dealing with multiple zones, but you will find that you cannot enjoy the automated integration of heterogeneous DNS servers. Why not treat two servers with compatible format as one whole resource? This you can do naturally with the QuickDNS console, remote to the servers themselves. Money spent on this product is quickly rewarded with extra security, stability and reassurance.

There is another component, also available for remote operation on a Windows platform, that works hand in hand with QuickDNS. Called DNS Expert, also from Men & Mice, it runs a thorough gantlet of tests against the specified DNS configuration, highlighting conflicts and other pitfalls that somehow slipped through the original edit stage. The most eloquent testimonial to the power and simplicity of QuickDNS is heard in the voices of users who say that DNS management is fun, rather than the grueling, unforgiving chore it has been in the past.
 

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