WINS (Windows Internet Name Service) was a pre DNS method for associating a NetBIOS name with an IP address. Older Windows PC and Samba Servers used this to locate services on a windows network - but in the modern era, this is no longer needed.
The Lab has two WINS servers that we are in the process of retiring.
- On March 17 we removed WINS servers from DHCP leases.
- On April 28 we will shutdown the WINS servers.
If an older system has a dependency, workarounds are easy to implement (add a DNS suffix of lbl.gov, use a fully qualified domain name (fqdn) to refer to a server or use the local lmhost file) Please contact the IT help desk if you run into a situation where you need a workaround for WINS.
