We review MXToolbox
Looking for a better DNS and MX health checker? Read our review for MXToolbox.
As many digital agencies who offer web hosting understand, continuous monitoring of server and IP health are part of the package. But what if you could make the process faster, more reliable and give you real-time results? Enter MXToolbox.
What is MXToolbox?
Simply put, MXToolbox is a trusted monitor and analyser of server systems around the world. It’s an easy way to check for website and server issues thanks to their fast and accurate network of diagnostic and lookup tools. Best of all, it’s free to use. Part of its capability is identifying issues in the DNS, IP or host, SMTP, domain and URL. It’s currently used by millions of developers and technology professionals to help diagnose and subsequently resolve a wide range of infrastructure issues.
While there is a free version available for users, those who have higher needs to monitor blacklists, DNS and domain health can opt for an affordable paid plan.
As iFactory is a full service digital agency who specialises in website support services, we use most of the features on MXToolbox, but pay particular attention to DNS records and mail server health.
Hold on, what does it mean to be blacklisted?
A blacklist, in essence, is a list of IP addresses or domains that are suspected of sending spam. Anyone can set up blacklist monitoring on their own mail hosting server; however the larger, more reputable blacklist organisations such as Spamhaus, Barracuda, Frontbridge and URIBL are likely to carry more weight and are likely to offer a more reliable result and not report on false positives.
Blacklists are useful for protecting against malicious code which can use your mail server as a distribution port for a significant amount of spam emails but they’re not perfect. Often, blacklists can confuse legitimate senders for spammers, and without warning your email has dropped into the honeypot blacklist administrators use to create their lists. Getting blacklisted can cause major disruptions to your business as it can take up to 48 hours for your server to function again.
That said; they do draw attention to your web health weaknesses, which should be rectified as soon as they are identified to avoid chances of getting re-blacklisted.
What are the main features of MXToolbox?
MXToolbox is what we would call a super tool. It has a wide range of commands including, but not limited to:
- Checking to see if your IP or host is on a blacklist
- Test mail server for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, otherwise known as SMTP
- Run a DNS (domain name service) record IP address for host name
- Check SPF (sender policy framework) and TXT records on a particular domain
- DNS PTR record, sometimes called a reserve DNS record, for host name
What we like about MXToolbox
The web development team at iFactory recommend this tool. With the large suit of tools provided by MXToolbox, you can get a quick check up on the server and the environment, with no need to reload or visit other pages. It’s an invaluable, all-in-one diagnostic tool capable of identifying real-time issues.
Recommendations for other considering the product
If you are looking for one tool that can handle several network monitoring and identify domain/DNS health issues, give MXToolbox a go. Every IT administrator, marketing manager and DIY-website owner should have this tool bookmarked.
Do you want a high functioning website, protected by hacking attacks? iFactory can help. Reliable, yet affordable, DNS management and web hosting are just some of internet services solutions we provide. Our client’s get the security of knowing the work we do to realise your digital solution is securely backed up at all times. Get in contact with iFactory today for a quote.
