setting up the domainname
 

This is a really n00b question about networking. I have recently been trying to figure out why it is required to eneter the domain name for some distributions when setting up networking. I mean its not like everybody has their own domain name, and it is definitely not required in windows or mac os x to set the domain name for the ocmputer when setting up the netowrking. I have always been greeted with "enter domain name" or something of the sort (Note: I understand a domain name is used for the internet, and I am not confusing this with the hostname). I usually enter random gibberish becuase I dont have a registered a domain name (i.e. www.yahoo.com or whatever). But I was just wondering if it is ok to do this (as in fill it in with gibberish or leave it at default or something). Thanks!

Windows asks for a computer name during install and a workgroup name if you aren't joining a domain. Linux asks for a hostname which is the same as asking for a computer name in Windows, it can be whatever you want wether you have a registered domain or not.

Thanks for asking this question. I have been using linux for five years and I never understood that either.

Thanks tkedwards for answering it clearly.


Peace V