Simple DNS Plus vs. BIND: Which DNS Server Is Right for You?

Simple DNS Plus: A Beginner’s Guide to Setup and Configuration

Overview

Simple DNS Plus is a Windows DNS server application that can act as a recursive resolver/cache, an authoritative nameserver, or both. It provides a GUI for creating zones and records, optional plug-ins (DHCP, Dynamic DNS, web admin), and logging/monitoring tools.

Quick setup (presumptive defaults)

1. Download and install Simple DNS Plus on a Windows machine (use a static IP if serving others).
2. Start the application and allow it through the Windows Firewall if prompted.
3. Configure network clients to use the server’s IP as their DNS server (manually in TCP/IP settings or via DHCP).
4. Verify resolver mode: with default install it acts as a DNS resolver/cache — test by browsing to https://simpledns.plus from a client (clear browser and OS DNS cache first).
5. Create an authoritative zone:
   • Click Records → Quick (or New Zone) → enter the domain name.
   • Add an A record for the domain pointing to your server IP and a CNAME for www if desired.
   • Add MX records for mail and NS records if hosting authoritative nameservers.
6. Configure forwarders or root hints (Server Properties → Forwarders) if you want upstream DNS resolution behavior changed.
7. Enable/logging and monitor the Active Log and Performance Graph to confirm queries are served.

Basic authoritative configuration checklist

• Create zone (primary/master) for your domain.
• Add A records for hostnames (example.com → 198.51.100.10).
• Add MX records for mail routing.
• Add NS records matching glue records at your registrar if you run your own nameservers.
• Set appropriate TTLs and SOA values (zone properties).

Common additional steps

• If hosting public authoritative DNS: register glue records (ns1/ns2) at your domain registrar and ensure multiple reachable IPs.
• For dynamic IP setups: use the Dynamic DNS plug-in or an external dynamic-DNS provider; note running public authoritative nameservers on dynamic IPs is unreliable.
• Secure and optimize: restrict zone transfers, enable logging, set reasonable TTLs, and consider access rules or firewall limits.
• Backups: export zones or schedule config backups.

Troubleshooting quick tips

• No resolution: confirm Simple DNS Plus service is running and clients point to correct IP.
• Cached results: flush client DNS cache (ipconfig /flushdns) and clear browser cache.
• Zone not visible externally: check registrar glue/NS records and port 53 reachability from outside.
• Mail issues: verify MX records and that the mail server’s IP has proper reverse PTR records.

Useful links

• Official docs: simpledns.plus/docs/how-to-get-started
• Basic examples and KB: simpledns.plus/kb

If you want, I can produce a step-by-step walkthrough tailored to: (A) a local resolver-only setup, (B) an internal authoritative server for a private network, or © a public authoritative server with registrar glue — pick one and I’ll assume defaults and generate the full steps.