New Benefits of the Feature Set for DNS 1.2 Primary Control Panel Features Product registration number Dialog box Displays Mode DNS is currently running By displaying the mode which the DNS is currently running, the user can quickly determine what version of the software is installed and whether or not the product has been registered with MetaInfo. This also provides a quick reference location for the first step in troubleshooting the DNS. I.E., checking to see whether or not the DNS has been installed properly and is currently running. Displays the product serial number for reference purposes. Placing the registration number in the control panel allows the user to quickly reference the registered serial number. This will expedite technical support calls placed to MetaInfo and will enable updates and revisions to be easily configured. Thus, in the event the serial number card included with the software is misplaced, the user can still identify the copy without searching in any obscure NT files. Boot File Location Dialog Box Allows the user to choose the file which will be used as "boot" file. This feature allows the user to set a common boot file for all DNS servers located on a network. Thereby, multiple DNS servers can easily share the same named.bt. It will also allow an administrator to select from multiple boot files which may be available. Abiltiy to browse the network for available boot files. This is mainly to allow a quick location of the named.bt files in case the exact location is forgotten, or cannot be found. Adanced Control Panel Features Debug Mode Dialog Box Debug Level Setting The advanced control panel feature allows the user to set the debug level for the DNS. The debug levels capture error messaging produced by the DNS service. The debug feature should only be selected in the unlikely event there is the need for troubleshooting. The lowest setting of zero turns the debug mode off. Each successive level focuses on a particular area of the DNS. Next to each level setting in the drop down box is a quick explanation of the area for which the debug level is concerned. Inclusive and Exclusive Radio Buttons The Inclusive and Exclusive Radio buttons are used in conjunction with the debug level. When set to the Inclusive mode, the level selected is turned on as well all lower numerical levels. When used in the Exclusive mode, only the selected level is enabled. Thus, the user can either conduct a very narrow, or a very broad troubleshooting search. For maximum error message capture, a user would set the debug level to 12 and select the Inclusive option. Ability to set storage location of the Debug Level File Having the ability to set multiple storage file locations allows an administrator to store the file in an readily accessible directory, i.e. a common troubleshooting storage area, or a subdirectory of Word. The feature also enables multiple debug files to be kept for comparison. Thereby, the administrator can determine if a troubleshooting technique has achieved the desired result. New Proprietary Debug Level 12 MetaInfo has created a Debug Level 12 for increased error message capture. This will enable our technical support staff to provide more strategic and focused troubleshooting assistance in the event a phone call is needed. Port Number Dialog Box Remote Port Setting The port numbers of the DNS service can be set in the event there is some need for advanced testing or security measures. MetaInfo recommends these port numbers be set to the RFC mandated Port 53 at all other times. Local Port Setting The port numbers of the DNS service can be set in the event there is some need for advanced testing or security measures. MetaInfo recommends these port numbers be set to the RFC mandated Port 53 at all other times. Root Directory Location Box Ability to Set Storage Directory of Root File Having the ability to set the location of the root.bt file directory means multiple copies of the DNS software can be stored on the same machine. This will allow an administrator to install a released version and a beta or evaluation version simultaneously. Coupled with the easy program management of the control panel, services can be readily alternated. Previously, because the named.bt file was stored in the \etc directory, only one version of the DNS service could be installed on each server. Helpfile Additions and Updates Addition of DNS 1.2 FAQ in the Included on-line helpfile Including the FAQ in the on-line helpfile permits quick reference in the event a question arises. It is no longer required to exit or switch applications, launch a browser and access the WWW FAQ located on the Metainfo Website. Point and Click explanation box for Control Panel Applet The point and click control panel dialog box included in the help file gives quick reference to specific features of the control panel. Point and Click explanation box for Example Configuration Files Point and click explanations of several configuration files help administrators who may not have any previous DNS configuration experience. They cover many of the most common file configuration schemes and can be used as a reference when setting up a DNS service for the first time. Other Additions and Changes New 32-bit Install Program A new 32-bit GUI install program that supports all four platforms is now included. This 32-bit install will insure compliance with all domestic and foreign versions of Windows NT 3.5 and 3.51. This install replaces the 16-bit GUI installation program used in version 1.1. As was the case in version 1.1, all files are placed in the appropriate directories and the DNS 1.2 icon is created and placed in the MetaInfo group located in the program manager.