Hostname vs. Host — What's the Difference?

Often synonymous with the term 'computer name' in networking contexts.

Any device that connects to a network and communicates with other network devices.

A unique name given to a machine within a local network.

The receiving device of network communications.

A specific domain name assigned to a device in a network.

Can include both hardware and software components that facilitate networking.

An identifier that is resolved to an IP address by the DNS.

A computer or other device that serves data to other devices.

The part of a URL that identifies a particular device on the internet.

Refers to a machine that manages network resources.

In computer networking, a hostname (archaically nodename) is a label that is assigned to a device connected to a computer network and that is used to identify the device in various forms of electronic communication, such as the World Wide Web. Hostnames may be simple names consisting of a single word or phrase, or they may be structured.

One who receives or entertains guests in a social or official capacity.

The name used to identify a host on a computer network.

A person who manages an inn or hotel.

(networking) The unique name by which any device attached to a computer network is known.

One that furnishes facilities and resources for a function or event

A computer or other network device's Internet domain name; a fully qualified hostname.

The emcee or interviewer on a radio or television program.

The portion of a computer's Internet domain name that comes before the first period; an unqualified hostname.

An organism on which or in which another organism lives.

A cell that has been infected by a virus or other infective agent.

(Medicine) The recipient of a transplanted tissue or organ.

A computer or other device providing data or services that a remote computer can access by means of a network or modem.

A computer that is connected to a TCP/IP network such as the internet.

An army.

A great number; a multitude.

The consecrated bread or wafer of the Eucharist.

To serve as host to or at

To provide software that offers data or services, hardware, or both over a computer network.

One which receives or entertains a guest, socially, commercially, or officially.

One that provides a facility for an event.

A person or organization responsible for running an event.

A moderator or master of ceremonies for a performance.

Any computer attached to a network.

(ecology) A cell or organism which harbors another organism or biological entity, usually a parasite.

An organism bearing certain genetic material, with respect to its cells.

A multitude of people arrayed as an army; used also in religious senses, as: Heavenly host (of angels)

A large number of items; a large inventory.

(Christianity) The consecrated bread of the Eucharist.

To perform the role of a host.

To lodge at an inn.

To run software made available to a remote user or process.

The consecrated wafer, believed to be the body of Christ, which in the Mass is offered as a sacrifice; also, the bread before consecration.

An army; a number of men gathered for war.

Any great number or multitude; a throng.

One who receives or entertains another, whether gratuitously or for compensation; one from whom another receives food, lodging, or entertainment; a landlord.

Any animal or plant affording lodgment or subsistence to a parasitic or commensal organism. Thus a tree is a host of an air plant growing upon it.

To give entertainment to.

To lodge at an inn; to take up entertainment.

A person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

A vast multitude

An animal or plant that nourishes and supports a parasite; the host does not benefit and is often harmed by the association

A person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)

Archaic terms for army

Any organization that provides resources and facilities for a function or event;

(medicine) recipient of transplanted tissue or organ from a donor

The owner or manager of an inn

A technical name for the bread used in the service of Mass or Holy Communion

(computer science) a computer that provides client stations with access to files and printers as shared resources to a computer network

Be the host of or for;

A hostname is a label that uniquely identifies a specific device on a network.

In networking, a host refers to any device that connects to a network, which can send or receive data.

Not necessarily; hosts can be computers, servers, routers, or any device that participates in network communication.

The hostname can typically be found in the network settings or by using system commands depending on the operating system.

Yes, a single device can be configured with multiple hostnames, especially in complex network settings.

Hostnames are resolved to IP addresses through the Domain Name System (DNS).

Hostnames in URLs help direct internet traffic to the correct server or device.

Different systems have various methods for setting and managing hostnames, often accessible through system settings or command-line tools.

Yes, proper management of hostnames can help in securing a network by ensuring clear and consistent identification of devices.

No, a hostname is a readable label for humans, while an IP address is a numerical label used to identify devices on networks.

Yes, changes to a hostname can disrupt services that rely on name resolution.

A server is a type of host that provides resources or services to other devices on the network.

Yes, a host can operate with just an IP address; a hostname is not absolutely necessary but helps in identification.

A unique identifier ensures that data sent across a network reaches the correct destination.

Common issues include conflicts in name resolution, misconfigurations, or duplication of names in a network.