How is a Domain different?

I've just figured out that a Domain is a group of connected computers.

I've got a wireless network set up between my Desktop and the Laptop. How is this network different from a Domain network?

What are the advantages or disadvantages of making it a domain?

Thanks

 

The short answer is

- A Domain is a network that uses one or more central controller servers to handle things like authenticating user logons, what PCs are out there, and quite a few security items. Any PC trying to connect must be authenticated/validated by a domain controller before it is allowed to play on the network.

- A Peer-to-Peer network has a number of equal PCs (can be workstations or servers) and all have to handle the above themselves.

For a small network that isn't connecting to other networks (not the internet but other LANs) there really isn't a major advantage. I'd only suggest setting up a domain if you needed to play with one to learn/certify/etc. in some computing field.

Other odds & ends

- You need an NT server to act as domain controller. NT4 or 2K are the most common right now although a newer version is either in late testing or early release.

- XP-home cannot participate in a domain. All other Microsoft operating systems can.

- An NT4 server must be installed as a domain controller at install time. A 2K server can be changed from member server to domain controller at any time.