Resolve ".local" Domains

The default configuration within /etc/nsswitch.conf tells the resolver to use mDNS (Multicast DNS) to resolve .local domains. If you have a home lab, run a DNS server, and use .local domains as I do, this can present a problem.

To correct this problem, edit /etc/nsswitch.conf as shown below.

Before:

hosts:        files mdns4_minimal [NOTFOUND=return] dns myhostname

After:

hosts:        files dns mdns4_minimal [NOTFOUND=return] myhostname

Restart the network stack or reboot for the changes to take effect.