What is a Domain?

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Guest

I know this is a bit off topic here, but what is a domain., like where a user
would need XP pro rather than XP home in order to get join. Is it like a LAN
only bigger?
 
a domain is hard to describe, a domain is a lot of things. A collection
of computers, printers, and there is a lot of things that go into it.
DNS pointers, Active Directory, etc. The best thing to do is go to
http://technet.microsoft.com and type in "what is a domain".
 
The dictionary description of Domain covers it pretty well.
"A territory over which rule or control is exercised".

Territory would be Client PC login(s), Shared resources and
Server based services (SQL, Exchange), Control being a
Primary Domain Controller Server.
 
I know this is a bit off topic here, but what is a domain., like where a user
would need XP pro rather than XP home in order to get join. Is it like a LAN
only bigger?
Click to expand...

A Windows Domain is a "collection" of Windows PCs which can/are centrally
managed/configured/controlled by a Windows Server. The Windows XP PCs needs
to have the "controls" to allow it to "join" the Windows Domain. Microsoft
has purposely removed the "domain" feature from XP Home, since it is geared to
a "single" unit PC in a home environament.
 
ManyBeers said:
I know this is a bit off topic here, but what is a domain., like
where a user would need XP pro rather than XP home in order to get
join. Is it like a LAN only bigger?
Click to expand...


It's not *like* a LAN; it's a kind of LAN. The common kind of LAN that is
used in most homes (and often small offices) is what's called a
"peer-to-peer network." In a peer-to-peer network, all the computers are
equal and none has any special status.

The other kind of network is a domain, where one (or more) computers,
running a server version of Windows, acts as controller for the network.

Domains are normally used in large corporations, universities, etc.
 
Do a Google search
Click to expand...

"Domain Name Registration" is probably covered quite well by Google
searches for domain. Suggest search keys maybe?

PS: I'm not the OP, but I thought the question was answered quite
well by others in this thread.
 
Ken Blake said:
It's not *like* a LAN; it's a kind of LAN. The common kind of LAN that is
used in most homes (and often small offices) is what's called a
"peer-to-peer network." In a peer-to-peer network, all the computers are
equal and none has any special status.

The other kind of network is a domain, where one (or more) computers,
running a server version of Windows, acts as controller for the network.

Domains are normally used in large corporations, universities, etc.


--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup


Thanks everyone for your help.
Click to expand...
 
"Domain Name Registration" is probably covered quite well by Google
searches for domain. Suggest search keys maybe?

PS: I'm not the OP, but I thought the question was answered quite
well by others in this thread.
Click to expand...

Nope. The Domain the OP is asking about has nothing to do with DNS.
They are asking about a Domain in Windows networking.

You are correct, though, in mentioning that others have answered the
question correctly.
 
Interesting thread - I'd always wanted to know the difference between Domain,
Workgroup, OU etc. I think that most here work in a home environment with
one or a few PCs linked via a router to ADSL. Such folks are likely to be
relatively new to the field of networking (like the OP and me!) whilst those
here who work in a big organisation with many PCs in the same building or
linked between various remote locations are likely to know much more about
networking procedures, protocols, setup etc. Obviously, these folks may also
have their own small home network for personal use.
 
Nope. The Domain the OP is asking about has nothing to do with DNS.
They are asking about a Domain in Windows networking.
Click to expand...

Correct. I was pointing out that 'Do a Google search' gives way too
many stray hits, mostly on domain *registration*. In a lot of cases
it's better to say 'Do a Google search for ....' ("NOT registration"
could be a start)
You are correct, though, in mentioning that others have answered the
question correctly.
Click to expand...

Friggin geniuses! <g> Seriously, it takes a certain talent to answer
a question with insight.
 
A large majority of corporate network users no very little about the
actual network structure or how it works. They just know to point and
click. A well put together network runs without the users needing to
know the protocols or setup.
 
ManyBeers said:
*I know this is a bit off topic here, but what is a domain., like
where a user
would need XP pro rather than XP home in order to get join. Is it
like a LAN
only bigger? *
Click to expand...

A domain is a system of computer/servers that are able to share
resources in an intranet/extranet/internet setting that is easier to
administrate and has far better securities than a workgroup (peer to
peer).

It can be utilized by any OS.

A lan is a local area network. You can have several lans in a domain.

Hope this answers your question.

Dragunov
 
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