Introduction to Name Services

Learn about name services (also called network information services).

Domain Name System (DNS) Overview
The Domain Name System (DNS) is the name service that is provided by the Internet for TCP/IP networks. DNS was developed so workstations on the network might be identified with common names instead of Internet addresses. DNS performs naming between hosts within your local administrative domain and across domain boundaries.
Network Information Service (NIS) Overview
Whereas DNS focuses on simplification by using workstation names instead of addresses, the Network Information Service (NIS) focuses on simplifying network administration by providing centralized control over a variety of network information.

Parent topic: Network Information Service (NIS)