5.3-Nano: DtDNS: Difference between revisions

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(New page: {{Nav 5.3-Nano}} '''Uniform Server and DtDNS''' Majority of domestic Internet connections are via a dynamic IP address, one that changes every time you connect to the Internet. This means...)
 
(Fix grammatical stuff and clarify meaning)
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'''Uniform Server and DtDNS'''
'''Uniform Server and DtDNS'''


Majority of domestic Internet connections are via a dynamic IP address, one that changes every time you connect to the Internet. This means you cannot run a web server unless you purchase a, static IP address from your ISP (Internet service provider). Even with a static IP you require and entry in a DNS server that converts your domain name into this IP address allowing other users to access your server.
The majority of domestic Internet connections are via a dynamic IP address, one that can change every time you connect to the Internet. This means you cannot run a web server unless you purchase a static IP address from your ISP (Internet service provider). Even with a static IP, you require an entry in a DNS server that converts your domain name into this IP address, allowing other users to access your server.


An alternative is to use a free service such as '''DtDNS''' they provide accounts that allow you to obtain a '''domain name''' and '''tracking software''' to automatically update your IP address as it changes. A big advantage of their free service they automatically enable '''Wild cards''' by default.
An alternative is to use a free service such as '''DtDNS'''. They provide accounts that allow you to obtain a '''domain name''', and '''tracking software''' to automatically update your IP address when it changes. A big advantage of their free service is that they automatically enable '''Wild cards''' by default.


Uniform Server supports the DtDNS service by integrating a, '''simple PHP scrip''' to automatically update hostname IP address at DtDNS. Script is configurable allowing you to update all five free hostnames. The script can optionally be run by cron making the whole task transparent.
Uniform Server supports the DtDNS service by integrating a '''simple PHP script''' to automatically update hostname IP address at DtDNS. The script is configurable, allowing you to update all five free hostnames. The script can optionally be run by cron, making the whole task transparent.


'''''Note'':''' The script is portable hence popping the servers on a USB memory stick means you can have them on-line and accessible within ten minutes (DNS propergation time) if new PC host has been configured to allow Internet server traffic.
'''''Note'':''' The script is portable, so popping the servers on a USB memory stick means you can have them on-line and accessible within ten minutes (minimum DNS propagation time) if the new PC host has been configured to allow Internet server traffic.
== DtDNS account ==
== DtDNS account ==
Creating an account at DtDNS is extremely easy.
Creating an account at DtDNS is extremely easy.
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* To the right of '''log in''' click '''Create an Account'''
* To the right of '''log in''' click '''Create an Account'''


There are two pages to fill in, enter the following details:
There are two pages to fill in. Enter the following details:
{|
{|
| ||'''''Page 1'':'''|| 
| ||'''''Page 1'':'''|| 
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|4)||'''Confirm Password'''||As above
|4)||'''Confirm Password'''||As above
|-
|-
|5)||'''E-mail Address'''||A real active e-mail is required, activation code sent to this e-mail address
|5)||'''E-mail Address'''||A real active e-mail is required. An activation code is sent to this e-mail address
|-
|-
|6)||'''Confirm E-mail'''||As above
|6)||'''Confirm E-mail'''||As above
|-
|-
|7)||'''Optional'''||Skip the Optional Information section if you wish fill it in.
|7)||'''Optional'''||Skip the Optional Information section if you don't wish fill it in.
|-
|-
|8)||'''Two CAPCHA words'''||Enter the two CAPCHA words (if these are difficult to read click the new challenge button)  
|8)||'''Two CAPCHA words'''||Enter the two CAPCHA words (if these are difficult to read click the new challenge button)  
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|9)||'''Username'''||Enter your Username as entered in '''1)'''.
|9)||'''Username'''||Enter your Username as entered in '''1)'''.
|-
|-
|10)||'''Enter code'''||Enter code sent to your email. (Note: The email contains a link to page 2 hence you can close the page and wait for the e-mail.)
|10)||'''Enter code'''||Enter code sent to your email. (Note: The email contains a link to page 2, hence you could also close the page and wait for the e-mail.)
|}
|}


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* A hostname is concatenated with a '''domain''' name.
* A hostname is concatenated with a '''domain''' name.
* I have listed available domains on the right.<br /><br />
* I have listed available domains on the right.<br /><br />
* Your full URL for example
* Your full URL, for example
** If you chose '''books''' as hostname
** If you chose '''books''' as hostname
** And select from the drop down menu '''effers.com'''
** And select from the drop down menu '''effers.com'''
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'''''Wild Cards'':'''
'''''Wild Cards'':'''


After creating a hostname wild cards are enabled by default. This allows you to use a URL such as  
After creating a hostname, wild cards are enabled by default. This allows you to use a URL such as  


<nowiki>http://</nowiki>'''www.'''books.effers.com - Note '''www.''' is the wild card part this can be anything you like for example:
<nowiki>http://</nowiki>'''www.'''books.effers.com - Note '''www.''' is the wild card part. This can be anything you like; for example:


* <nowiki>http://</nowiki>www.'''books.effers.com'''
* <nowiki>http://</nowiki>www.'''books.effers.com'''
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* <nowiki>http://</nowiki>www.home.'''books.effers.com'''
* <nowiki>http://</nowiki>www.home.'''books.effers.com'''


'''books.effers.com''' resolves to your IP address you can use the wild card on your server to resolve to different sites.
'''books.effers.com''' resolves to your IP address. You can use the wild card on your server to resolve to different sites.


'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
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* Enter Password: as set in step '''3)'''   
* Enter Password: as set in step '''3)'''   
* '''My Services''' page displayed
* '''My Services''' page displayed
* Click on '''Hostnames''' this opens the '''Hostname Manager'''
* Click on '''Hostnames'''. This opens the '''Hostname Manager'''
'''''Create hostname'''''
'''''Create hostname'''''
* Enter a desired '''Hostname'''
* Enter a desired '''Hostname'''
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|books||effers.com||87.129.30.174||Active Dynamic
|books||effers.com||87.129.30.174||Active Dynamic
|}
|}
Click a hostname link opens its corresponding configuration page. Here you can change various settings, including the IP address.
Click a hostname link to open its corresponding configuration page. Here you can change various settings, including the IP address.


'''''Note'':''' After adding a new host the IP address is set to your current IP address. You can manually change it on the configuration page or request an IP update see later.
'''''Note'':''' After adding a new host, the IP address is set to your current IP address. You can manually change it on the configuration page or request an IP update see later.
    
    
'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
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Edit the following file: UniServer\plugins\dtdns_updater\'''dtdns.ini'''
Edit the following file: UniServer\plugins\dtdns_updater\'''dtdns.ini'''


For each account you wish to update add a bock with the following format.
For each account you wish to update, add a block with the following format.
{|
{|
|-valign="top"
|-valign="top"
|'''[account_1]'''||&nbsp;||- A uniquete name enclosed in square brackets. Can be any name you wish do not include spaces.     
|'''[account_1]'''||&nbsp;||- A unique name enclosed in square brackets. Can be any name you wish; do not include spaces.     
|-valign="top"
|-valign="top"
|'''hostname ='''||&nbsp;||    - Full host name as configured at DtDNS
|'''hostname ='''||&nbsp;||    - Full host name as configured at DtDNS
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'''''Note'':'''
'''''Note'':'''


Uncomment blocks as required and substitute your details.
Uncomment the blocks as required and substitute your details.


If you need extra bocks copy an existing one making sure you change the block name to something unique.
If you need extra blocks, copy an existing one making sure you change the block name to something unique.


'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
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'''''Batch file'':''' UniServer\plugins\dtdns_updater\'''Run_dtdns_updater.bat'''  
'''''Batch file'':''' UniServer\plugins\dtdns_updater\'''Run_dtdns_updater.bat'''  


'''''Note'':''' It takes around ten minutes for the DNS to propagate, additional updates within this period are regarded as an abuse and you may find your IP banned.
'''''Note'':''' It takes around ten minutes for the DNS to propagate. Additional updates within this period are regarded as an abuse and you may find your IP banned.


'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
=== Cron - Automatic update ===
=== Cron - Automatic update ===
Cron provides a periodic tick Uniform Server's default is every ten minutes.
Cron provides a periodic tick. Uniform Server's default is every ten minutes.


DtDNS automatic updater has been pre-configured however it is disabled by default.
DtDNS automatic updater has been pre-configured, however it is disabled by default.


To enable DtDNS edit file UniServer\unicon\main\'''cron.ini'''
To enable DtDNS, edit file UniServer\unicon\main\'''cron.ini'''


Locate the dtdns block:
Locate the dtdns block:
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</pre>
</pre>
|}
|}
Uncomment to enable shown below:
Uncomment to enable as shown below:
{|
{|
|-
|-
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Optionally change the start time. If you do not change this the current time will be used.
Optionally change the start time. If you do not change this the current time will be used.


When Cron is initially run DtDNS will immediately run thereafter runs every ten minutes.
When Cron is initially run DtDNS will immediately run and thereafter will run every ten minutes.


'''''Note 1'':''' An update is performed only if your IP address has changed.  
'''''Note 1'':''' An update is performed only if your IP address has changed.  


'''''Note 2'':''' You need to start Cron either manually or automatically refer to [[5.3-Nano: Portable Cron | '''Cron page''']] for details.
'''''Note 2'':''' You need to start Cron either manually or automatically. Refer to [[5.3-Nano: Portable Cron | '''Cron page''']] for details.


'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
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'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
== Summary ==
== Summary ==
For a home web server the free account at DtDNS is ideal at least it gives you an opportunity to test their service. Perhaps it will encourage you to purchase a real domain and use some of their paid services.
For a home web server the free account at DtDNS is ideal. At least it gives you an opportunity to test their service. Perhaps it will encourage you to purchase a real domain and use some of their paid services.


The next page looks at configuring the [[5.3-Nano: Database Backup | '''Database Backup''']] CLI script.
The next page looks at configuring the [[5.3-Nano: Database Backup | '''Database Backup''']] CLI script.

Revision as of 02:15, 28 January 2010

 

Uniform Server and DtDNS

The majority of domestic Internet connections are via a dynamic IP address, one that can change every time you connect to the Internet. This means you cannot run a web server unless you purchase a static IP address from your ISP (Internet service provider). Even with a static IP, you require an entry in a DNS server that converts your domain name into this IP address, allowing other users to access your server.

An alternative is to use a free service such as DtDNS. They provide accounts that allow you to obtain a domain name, and tracking software to automatically update your IP address when it changes. A big advantage of their free service is that they automatically enable Wild cards by default.

Uniform Server supports the DtDNS service by integrating a simple PHP script to automatically update hostname IP address at DtDNS. The script is configurable, allowing you to update all five free hostnames. The script can optionally be run by cron, making the whole task transparent.

Note: The script is portable, so popping the servers on a USB memory stick means you can have them on-line and accessible within ten minutes (minimum DNS propagation time) if the new PC host has been configured to allow Internet server traffic.

DtDNS account

Creating an account at DtDNS is extremely easy.

  • Go to DtDNS home page.
  • To the right of log in click Create an Account

There are two pages to fill in. Enter the following details:

  Page 1:  
1) Desired Username This name is used for logging into your account
2) Your Name Your real name (Internal use)
3) Desired Password A password for logging into your account
4) Confirm Password As above
5) E-mail Address A real active e-mail is required. An activation code is sent to this e-mail address
6) Confirm E-mail As above
7) Optional Skip the Optional Information section if you don't wish fill it in.
8) Two CAPCHA words Enter the two CAPCHA words (if these are difficult to read click the new challenge button)
  Page 2:  
9) Username Enter your Username as entered in 1).
10) Enter code Enter code sent to your email. (Note: The email contains a link to page 2, hence you could also close the page and wait for the e-mail.)

Top

Login - Create Hostname

General information:

  • A DtDNS account is limited to five free hostnames.
  • A hostname is concatenated with a domain name.
  • I have listed available domains on the right.

  • Your full URL, for example
    • If you chose books as hostname
    • And select from the drop down menu effers.com

Will look like this:

http://books.effers.com

  

Available Free Domain Names 
3d-game.com
4irc.com
b0ne.com
bbsindex.com
chatnook.com
darktech.org
deaftone.com
dtdns.net
effers.com

etowns.net
etowns.org
flnet.org
gotgeeks.com
scieron.com
slyip.com
slyip.net
suroot.com

Wild Cards:

After creating a hostname, wild cards are enabled by default. This allows you to use a URL such as

http://www.books.effers.com - Note www. is the wild card part. This can be anything you like; for example:

  • http://www.books.effers.com
  • http://www-internation.books.effers.com
  • http://local.books.effers.com
  • http://www.home.books.effers.com

books.effers.com resolves to your IP address. You can use the wild card on your server to resolve to different sites.

Top

Create Hostname

To create a new hostname at DtDNS

Login

  • Go to | Login page
  • Enter Username: as set in step 1)
  • Enter Password: as set in step 3)
  • My Services page displayed
  • Click on Hostnames. This opens the Hostname Manager

Create hostname

  • Enter a desired Hostname
  • From the drop down menu select a Domain
  • Click Add Hostname
  • Enter the two CAPCHA words (if these are difficult to read click the new challenge button)
  • Click Add Hostname button
  • This is added to your list of host names

Manage existing hostnames

To manage existing hostnames, simply click the entry in the list for example see below.

Hostname Domain IP Address Type
uni23 dtdns.net 89.119.35.45 Active Dynamic
books effers.com 87.129.30.174 Active Dynamic

Click a hostname link to open its corresponding configuration page. Here you can change various settings, including the IP address.

Note: After adding a new host, the IP address is set to your current IP address. You can manually change it on the configuration page or request an IP update see later.

Top

Script Configuration

Edit the following file: UniServer\plugins\dtdns_updater\dtdns.ini

For each account you wish to update, add a block with the following format.

[account_1]   - A unique name enclosed in square brackets. Can be any name you wish; do not include spaces.
hostname =   - Full host name as configured at DtDNS
password =   - Your DtDNS account password

The configuration file contains examples one shown below: 

  ;[account_1]
  ;hostname = books.effers.com
  ;password = fred123

Uncomment (remove ;) to enable

Substitute books.effers.com with your real host and domain names, replace the password fred123 with the one you set in step 1)

Note:

Uncomment the blocks as required and substitute your details.

If you need extra blocks, copy an existing one making sure you change the block name to something unique.

Top

Running Auto-updater Script

Manual Update

You can run the following batch file to manually force an update, remember to leave around ten minuets before performing another manual update.

Batch file: UniServer\plugins\dtdns_updater\Run_dtdns_updater.bat

Note: It takes around ten minutes for the DNS to propagate. Additional updates within this period are regarded as an abuse and you may find your IP banned.

Top

Cron - Automatic update

Cron provides a periodic tick. Uniform Server's default is every ten minutes.

DtDNS automatic updater has been pre-configured, however it is disabled by default.

To enable DtDNS, edit file UniServer\unicon\main\cron.ini

Locate the dtdns block: 

  ;[dtdns]
  ;start  = 2009-09-21 2:56:52
  ;period = 600                 ; 10 Mins as required by DtDNS
  ;path   = ..\..\plugins\dtdns_updater\dtdns_updater.php
  ;ref =

Uncomment to enable as shown below: 

  [dtdns]
  start  = 2009-09-21 2:56:52
  period = 600                 ; 10 Mins as required by DtDNS
  path   = ..\..\plugins\dtdns_updater\dtdns_updater.php
  ref =

Optionally change the start time. If you do not change this the current time will be used.

When Cron is initially run DtDNS will immediately run and thereafter will run every ten minutes.

Note 1: An update is performed only if your IP address has changed.

Note 2: You need to start Cron either manually or automatically. Refer to Cron page for details.

Top

Logging

Logging is enabled by default. Log file: UniServer\plugins\dtdns_updater\dtdns.log

Disable enable logging edit file: UniServer\plugins\dtdns_updater\dtdns_updater.php

Change the following line as required:

$logging = true; // true = Enable logging false = disable logging

Top

Summary

For a home web server the free account at DtDNS is ideal. At least it gives you an opportunity to test their service. Perhaps it will encourage you to purchase a real domain and use some of their paid services.

The next page looks at configuring the Database Backup CLI script.

Top

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