Setting Up a WINS Server

WINS is an essential part of any large network with earlier Windows clients and network applications. It provides the equivalent of a DNS server for the NetBIOS namespace: WINS servers resolve NetBIOS names into IP addresses by using the WINS dynamic database to call up the appropriate name records. Although some networks that consist exclusively of Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000 systems can safely do away with WINS, not many networks have this luxury yet.

Determining Whether You Need WINS

If you’re asking yourself whether you need WINS at this point, the answer is probably yes. Most large networks need WINS to provide NetBIOS name resolution for their earlier Windows clients. However, here are some ...

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