I am no expert - but I _think_ that the configuration files and the
behaviour of commands like ping and host do make sense. In particular,
ping is checking /etc/hosts, but host is specifically intended as a DNS
checker, so has no reason to consult /etc/hosts.
But your main problem lies with Postfix, and that is a whole different
can of worms. The command 'postconf -d' reveals several configuration
items relating to 'resolve' and 'dns'. Furthermore I found this link:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-software-2/force-postfix-to-refer-etc-hosts-857662/
which I think describes your problem - and supplies an answer.
Hopefully it will help...
Chris
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