4.8. Task 4.8: Using the NSLOOKUP Utility

An unfortunately underutilized utility for a poorly understood global naming system is NSLOOKUP (the NS stands for Name Server or Name Service). It refers to the ability to make DNS lookups more controllable so that you can troubleshoot problems or suspected problems with DNS name-to-IP-address resolution. Most technicians and engineers can spot a DNS problem when they see one. Pinging by name fails, but pinging by address works. Browsing to a known valid web page results in an error page. Of course, that is caused by DNS issues and so much more, but you know you have that gut "uh-oh, it's DNS" feeling when that error page pops up in the place of http://www.wiley.com.

The NSLOOKUP utility takes almost ...

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