Lion Server is killing me!!

Question

We have a Mac Mini (new Nov. 2011) runnig Lion Sever 10.7.2 and I can't get it to work properly. I have done two instals including the original startup. I have an OD running, I have added users and groups. The Mac's and PC's in the office can access the shared folders and files without any problems. We are using a new Time Capsule and it is working fine. I'm even running Rumpus FTP software using port 8000 and that is working fine.
When I set up the server the second time I followed the instructions from lynda.com. I have a SSL cert. from GoDaddy installed.
Problem #1:
If I set the Server's DNS Server to its own IP address, to run MiniDNS the server has a very hard time connecting to the internet. Safari is super slow and will time out when trying to reach websites like Apple.com.
Problem #2:
The Wiki, Web & Profile Manager do not work. When I go to my domain (server.saterdesign.com) I get the "Safari can't connect to the server".
Problem #3:
When a local Mac tries to Add the server by going to the System Preferences, Mail, Contacts & Calendars and chosing "Add Account" and then clicking "Add a Max OS X Server account => clicking create, the server shows but if you choose it and try to Set Up, it says "Unable to verify user credentials". I have also tried to connect to the server using its fully qualified domain name without success.
All the Lion Server seems to be able to do is run the OD, and share files. I can't use the Server Address book, or iCal or iChat, or Web, or Wiki, or Profile Manager.
I've turned all the services off and on again. I've set the SSL to None, and to a self signed SSL.
After the second instal the Web, Wiki, and Profile Manager worked for awhile. Then I had to change the IP address of the Server, that broke all that stuff. When I changed it back, it still didn't work. BUT, even when the Web & Wiki  . . . etc. was working, I could not get the client Mac's to Set Up and use the Server services, other than File Sharing.
P.S. Doing things in the "Terminal" give me the runs . . . . I'm a GUI guy - a Graphics Guy forced into the IT world by horrible career choices.

Answer 1

Anad Nosbig wrote:
I tried using Terminal, I typed in /var/named and it just said:
-bash: /var/named: is a directory
You'd need to use the cd command to change to the /var/named directory. Type man cd for more info on the cd command.
Anad Nosbig wrote:
I truly appreciate the help, I do . .  but this is beyond ridiculous. When you buy a new car it runs, you don't have to go home and learn how to adjust the computer controlled variable timing BEFORE the engine will run!!
I'm trying to help you. If you just want to complain, call Apple.
Anad Nosbig wrote:
Do I have to run DNS??
If all I want is Address Book and iCal, is DNS a MUST??
Is DNS necessary for file sharing??
Yes, DNS is a must for OS X server. If you want services to run reliably (or at all) you will need functional DNS.
Anad Nosbig wrote:
The first time I had this set up I was not running OD. I wiped it clean and re-installed the OS so I could start fresh and do it correct from the start with a FQDN and a trusted SSL, and OD. After all that I'm back at where I was when all it was doing is sharing files. This came from Apple as a Mac Mini Server, it should just be and DO that!
It is and can do everything you want it to, but not without proper configuration. If you were expecting to plug it in, turn it on and just go without any configuration, then maybe a server isn't for you.