[Techtalk] DNS question

[Terry]

Hi folks,

I've done a lot of googling but am struggling to find an answer. What is 
the correct way to set up this situation in DNS?

I have a VPS that I want to assign the name mail1.example.com. I also 
intend to use the domain example.com for a web site. The server has only 
one IP.  Should there be two separate entries for mail1.example.com and 
example.com? Or should there be just one for example.com with an A 
record for mail1?  The mail1 will also serve some other domains I have.

I used to use a cpanel-based VPS and the hosting company set up the 
entry for the server and used the mail1.example.com. I then had to add a 
separate record for example.com in order to set up a website.  I'm now 
happily on a VPS with no cpanel and able to manage my own DNS.  I was 
wondering why two different records were entered on the managed VPS and 
if there are any advantages/disadvantages to the two different ways.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

-- 
Terry