I have found lots of stuff on dns through google but i was wondering if anyone knows what steps i need to take to make a real name server. I have a dedicated server running named and i have some domains on there but the company that hosts the server says for every domain i make i have to email them and have them add it to their NS or i can register and run my own, aside from the software how do i register it?

Usually the folks that you pay for your domain will help you out in facilitating this. Basically for DNS (external internet facing) to work, the world (dns root) has to know that you are the authority now for records pertaining to the zones (domains) you are serving. Inverse (reverse) zones (in-addr.arpa) are somewhat more difficult because you'll have to find the authority of your particular IP ranges and get them to delegate your range out to your server.

This might help... but basically it'll tell you to go through the registrar ultimately used (often times you go through the person you obtained the domain thru...):

http://www.internic.org/faqs/index.html

Oh... PLEASE do not operate your own DNS unless you are a 24x7 admin. There's enough bad stuff out there. If you are not going to be able to do that.. I suggest you find a provider that will allow you to make flexible changes to your records under their server.