Local DNS

[David Hughes <davidrh uswest unco edu>]

I know this has been beat to a pulp, but need to ask. . . can anyone steer me
towards a HOW-TO set up a local DNS on a RedHat server?

I'd like to be able to set up the ability for clients on a local network to
use the mail server on the Linux box without having to be connected to the
internet and its DNS services, but also be able to work as well when connected
for use of email and web services.  And would like to be able to understand
it.  Have poked around but have not found a functional (for me, and a class)
tutorial.

Anyone point me to such a text or URL that details this?

tia, david