Whats a WINS server & IP

[thomsign]

Can any tell me what a WINS server is and where I would find a WINS ip?
Thanks
Thomsign

[LiVeWiRe]

thomsign,

A WINS (Windows Internet Naming Service) server manages the association of workstation names and locations with IP addresses. WINS automatically creates a computer name to IP address mapping entry in a table, ensuring that the name is unique and not a duplicate of someone else's computer name.

WINS complements DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) which automatically assigns an IP address for computers on the network...this is as opposed to statically or manually entering the IP address for machines.

If you go to the properties of the TCP/IP protocol you will see a tab for DNS, WINS, etc. If WINS is being used, you'd be able to see what the IP address of the WINS server is listed under the WINS tab.

But WINS really isn't used much anymore, especially on Windows 2000 networks where DNS (Domain Naming Service) is primarily used.

-LW

[mairving]

WINS is what Windows NT server relied on to map IP addresses to NetBIOS names. Windows 2000 largely depends on DNS so WINS is not usually necessary. It is still used occasionally if you have any NT workstations or sometimes in setting up a VPN, otherwise you don't need it.

Where would you find a WINS IP? You wouldn't unless you are running a WINS server on Windows NT/2K. If you are trying to setup a network, then you can leave that field blank.