Discuss mailing list

[Jeff Taylor <shdwdrgn AT sourpuss.net>]

Due to a recent inquiry, we have added a new test to the online server 
reports.  NXDOMAIN is now tested to ensure that each server is 
responding with the expected error message.

What this means:  Not long ago, unscrupulous ISPs discovered that any 
time a customer requested a non-existant web page, the ISP could 
generate revenue by sending their customers to one of their own web 
pages.  This led to many updates of popular DNS servers.

When you request an invalid domain, you should normally receive an 
NXDOMAIN error, telling you the page doesn't exist.  If you do not 
receive this error, it will break many automated scripts.

Since we strive to ensure that all OpenNic servers perform as expected, 
this will now be a regular part of normal testing.  Any server not 
responding with this error will be marked as failing. The good news is 
that ALL of the OpenNic servers are passing this test!

As always, online test results may be viewed at 
http://www.opennicproject.org/report/ (don't forget to check the 
drop-down menu for more information).  Testing of individual servers may 
be done from http://www.opennicproject.org/t2log/test.php even if you 
are not publically listed.