redhat-config-bind and named.conf on RH?

Question

An video intructor on RH was saying that the named.conf should only be modified by redhat-config-bind and that any by-hand customizations should be made to named.custom. What's the downside of modifying named.conf by hand? I've done that all time in Solaris and BSD. Thanks.

Ah - I see in part why the guy said that.. That's what Red Hat says in their documentation.

http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/linux/RHL-7.2-Manual/custom-guide/bindconf.html

!Do Not Edit /etc/named.conf


Do not edit the /etc/named.conf configuration file. BIND Configuration Tool generates this file after you apply your changes. If you want to configure settings that are not configurable using BIND Configuration Tool, then do not use it.

So you appear to be correct - it's advice for newbies who will rely on the gui. Thanks.

Answer 1

Go to Bind Configuration Tool (redhat-config-bind), refer to the chapter called BIND Configuration in the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide - I imagine the video says this for newbies. There is a tool to customize it - so manual editing is not recommended for those who don't know what they are doing. If you are familiar with BSD and Solaris - you will probably be ok - but as always, make a copy first.