What does 'WINS Resolution' do?

Question

What does "WINS Resolution" do? There is an option to turn it on or off. Does it have anything to do with domain master or local domain? Please give details. Thanks!

Answer 1

WINS (Windows Internet Name Service):

Its pretty much a name server and service for NetBIOS computer names.  Its like DNS for domain names.

WINS should only be necessary in networks with Pre windows 2000 machines.  It doesn't hurt to have it enabled though.

Answer 2

Windows File and Print Sharing can work in two ways.

The simple, standard way: Computers periodically tell the whole network that they exist and are running Windows File and Print Sharing.

The complicated, quieter way: Everything is managed by a central WINS server.