DNS resoltution troubelshooting

[Shawn]

What tools / resources can I use to check / troubleshoot the DNS
resolution process? I mean, I'd like to be able to see the DNS records
for some domains. Is that possible? Can you see my DNS configuration
or other peoples? How does the DNS resolution take place... When I
type a domain name, how does it find the name servers, in what order
and how does it resolve the name to an IP... in a more technical
terms. Does only one of my name servers in my interNIC records need to
work, technically for people to reach my domain? Or even if 1 of 3 of
my listed NS were down, even the primary server, what would the
problems be for others to resolve my domain name?

I only have a basic understanding of DNS, so I am sorry if I sound
ignorant.. I guess I am. I am trying to learn. Other than "nslookup"
in WinNT, what can I do test and troubleshoot DNS queries and what DNS
servers are responding to or are able to respond to my quires.. I
guess to just see if everything is working, once I get it all setup.

I've seen a few posts of people listing all the NS that either
authoritatively or non-authoritevly respond, as well as information of
all the NS servers listed in the zone files...  How can I do this?

THANK YOU!