The Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS) converts NetBiOS Host Names into IP addresses. It lets in Windows machines on a given LAN section to understand Windows machines on other LAN segments.

WINS is similar to DNS in that they both provide call decision on TCP/IP Networks, however WINS resolves NetBIOS names whilst DNS resolves Domains. A commUnity will require a WINS Server when there are older Packages that use NetBIOS. Windows XP and Windows 2000 commenced using DNS names in place of (or further) to NetBIOS names and so DNS eMerged at this point as Microsoft’s approach to Network name decision.

If a WINS server does no longer exist, decision of NetBIOS Host names may be done by using the LMHOSTS Record, that is a Static document on every Computing Device.