At IU, what naming conventions are recommended for Windows computers and groups?

The Microsoft NetBIOS namespace used at Indiana University is a completely flat namespace. This flat namespace is replicated across campuses via the UITS-provided WINS servers.

In your school or department, this means that even though your servers or workstations may be in a domain, this domain name is not part of the NetBIOS name. Names of computers and groups must be unique across campuses. Since there is no built-in hierarchy, hierarchy must be implemented through the names themselves. Remember, WINS enforces unique names across campuses, and computer names are limited to 15 characters. The naming recommendations below are for Windows computers.

OUs and DFS root names

The syntax for organizational units (OUs) and Distributed File System (DFS) root names is:

Examples of this syntax are:

Servers, workstations, printers, groups, and group policies

The syntax for servers, workstations, printers, groups, and group policies is:

Examples of this syntax are:

For a detailed listing of ADS policies, see What are the ADS service policies at IU?

Also see:

• In Active Directory, what are the differences between universal, global, and domain local groups?
• In Windows 2000 and XP, what is Active Directory?
• At IU, in Windows 2000 or XP Professional, how do I configure my computer to connect to IU's Active Directory Services Domain?
• In ADS at IU, how do I add a Windows 2000, XP Professional, or 2003 computer to my organizational unit?
• At IU, why can't I bring up a Windows 2000 domain controller for my department in Active Directory?