The internet uses numbers, not names, to find computers. Domain Name System (DNS) is the internet’s directory service: It takes a human readable name, like “www.linuxlinks.com”, and converts that name to a machine readable “IP” address that your computer can use to connect to www.linuxlinks.com.
Browsers then use those addresses to communicate with origin servers or CDN edge servers to access website information. This all happens thanks to DNS servers: machines dedicated to answering DNS queries.
DNS is one of these things many take for granted that is critical to using the internet. Without DNS, the internet breaks. It’s critical that a DNS server keeps the internet working in a secure and stable manner.
DNS clients, which are built into most modern desktop and mobile operating systems, enable web browsers to interact with DNS servers.
This roundup selects a motley collection of useful DNS tools. Here’s our verdict captured in a legendary LinuxLinks-style ratings chart. Only free and open source software is eligible for inclusion here.
Click the links below to learn more about each tool.
| Useful DNS Tools | |
|---|---|
| DNSControl | System for maintaining DNS zones |
| q | Command line DNS client |
| octoDNS | Manage DNS across multiple providers |
| nsupdate.info | Implement a free dynamic DNS service |
| DomainMOD | Manage domains and other internet assets in a central location |
| Poweradmin | Web-based DNS administration tool |
| dnsperf | Measure performance of authoritative domain name services |
| ctrld | Configurable DNS forwarding proxy |
| Atomia DNS | Multi-tenant system for handling large amounts of DNS data |
| SPFtoolbox | Look up DNS records |
| Designate | Multi-tenant DNSaaS service for OpenStack |
| dnsi | Tool to investigate the DNS |
| Digger | Modern DNS lookup tool with a graphical interface |
 Read our complete collection of recommended free and open source software. Our curated compilation covers all categories of software. Spotted a useful open source Linux program not covered on our site? Please let us know by completing this form. The software collection forms part of our series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. There are hundreds of in-depth reviews, open source alternatives to proprietary software from large corporations like Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. There are also fun things to try, hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. |