Martijn Tonies wrote:

> Hi Lester,
>
> Then how does Windows find other machines on my
> network (TCP/IP) that aren't in the hostfile, but I can
> use the PC names without problems?
>
> Exactly when does one need a hosts-entry and when
> doesn't one need one? (uhm, is this a clear question?)

Depends how you are looking for the machine :)
Windows uses SMB for all it's windows to windows activity, and hence you
need samba on Linux to kid windows into thinking the machine is another
windows machine. That does all of the file and printer access stuff and
the back door messaging stuff.

You only need to get the TCP/IP stuff right when you start using
non-windows stuff, such as Firebird and even Ping.

On proper networks there will be a DNS server providing an IP address to
match a name, but XP does not enable any server stuff, so we are back to
the 'good old ways'.

If you can 'ping' a machine name, then there is a name server working,
if not, then you need to add names and IP addresses to the HOSTS file -
and I copy that file to all machine on the network :)

This is the short version, the next layer adds dynamic allocation of IP
addresses and the rest ;)

--
Lester Caine
-----------------------------
L.S.Caine Electronic Services