RFC - 1178

Choosing a Name for Your Computer

Original:	ftp://ftp.isi.edu/in-notes/rfc1178.txt
Authors:	D. Libes [Integrated Systems Group/NIST]
Date:	August 1990
Category:	For Your Information: [ FYI-5 ]

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Referred by:	5 RFC
Refers to:	1 RFC

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Status

This FYI RFC is a republication of a Communications of the ACM article on guidelines on what to do and what not to do when naming your computer [1]. This memo provides information for the Internet community. It does not specify any standard.

Distribution of this memo is unlimited.

Abstract

In order to easily distinguish between multiple computers, we give them names. Experience has taught us that it is as easy to choose bad names as it is to choose good ones. This essay presents guidelines for deciding what makes a name good or bad.

Keywords: domain name system, naming conventions, computer administration, computer network management

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