Re: Problem with DHCP, /etc/hosts and GNOME

From: Keven Ring (keven_at_mitre.org)
Date: 04/08/04

  • Next message: Julien Olivier: "Re: Problem with DHCP, /etc/hosts and GNOME" 
    Date: Thu, 08 Apr 2004 13:22:42 -0400
To: For users of Fedora Core releases <fedora-list@redhat.com>

    >OK, thanks for the explanation. I think I get it now.
    >
    >But what I still don't understand is: why don't I need to configure
    >anything for my laptop to connect to the internet on Windows XP, but I
    >have to modify /etc/hosts on Fedora ?
    >
    >
    You don't need to modify /etc/hosts to connect to the internet in Fedora.

    GNOME [and other programs/processes] require the ability to do a reverse
    domain name lookup, that is, given a hostname, what is the ip address.
    You can hit Ctrl-Alt-F1, log in, and telnet/ssh/ftp/http to your hearts
    content without ever changing /etc/hosts. [BTW, Ctrl-Alt-F7 takes you
    back to GUI mode.. ;)]

    Your fundamental question is, why does Unix use a machine's hostname as
    its point of reference, and MS use a NetBIOS name [Machine Name]?

    Unix has used an internet hostname since time began [Ok, maybe not
    _quite_ that far back...]. MS Win 3.1 did not [let us not forget!!!]
    have a TCP/IP stack, but they wanted networking, so they came up with
    their own [or maybe they purchased it from someone else, I forget...].
    This legacy continues to this day, for better, or for worse.

    Furthermore, when you set up your Windows machine the first time, did it
    ask you what you wanted your Machine Name to be? If so, then the answer
    is, Windows *DID* have you edit your /etc/hosts [at least, their
    equivelant], you just didn't know it at the time..... There is nothing
    that says that the anaconda installer would ask you what you want your
    hostname to be [which it does if you specify you want a static IP
    address ;)]. It could ask you the same thing, even for DHCP. Perhaps
    this is really a feature request for FC2????? 

    -- 
Keven Ring               | "Oh no,  Not Again..."
The MITRE Corporation    |   Bowl of Petunias -
7515 Colshire Drive      |   The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
McLean VA 22102-7508     |
PH: (703)883-7026        |
-- 
fedora-list mailing list
fedora-list@redhat.com
To unsubscribe: http://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/fedora-list
  • Next message: Julien Olivier: "Re: Problem with DHCP, /etc/hosts and GNOME"

    Relevant Pages

    • I think I have been hijacked.
      ... I am running windows xp on my Compaq Presario and Toshiba laptop, ... An internet connection appears to have been added through a USB. ... R - Registry, StartPage/SearchPage changes ... Fixed crashing bug on certain Win2000 and WinXP systems at O23 listing ...
      (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
    • Re: Please help with pop-ups!!
      ... Sometimes I'm not on the internet ... A1) No. Microsoft NEVER sends emails with security update attachments. ... pages where you can access Windows Update, download patches, or request ...
      (microsoft.public.security)
    • Re: Built in Admin account added
      ... system properly before putting it back on the internet. ... where to get a firewall and antivirus program are all below: ... Keep in mind during the investigation that this might NOT be a hacker ... You can also use the NETSTAT -A command that comes with Windows to look at ...
      (microsoft.public.win2000.security)
    • Re: Will computers ever be as simple and reliable as a refrigerator?
      ... > The problem is that a refrigerator does ONE thing.. ... Your computer is not connected to the Internet. ... You don't need a firewall - because you don't have any ... > using Windows XP "prettifications". ...
      (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
    • Re: My words
      ... MVP - Windows Shell/User ... > MALWARE REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS ... > There are some malwares that can destroy the internet connection ... > download all the security updates - Critical updates with Express install. ...
      (microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers)
    Loading