Computing (FOLDOC) dictionary
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1. (Or "sitename"). The unique name by which a computer is
information interchange.
e.g. "foldoc.doc.ic.ac.uk" which, consists of a local part
(foldoc) and a
domain name (doc.ic.ac.uk). The hostname is
resolver. It is possible for one computer to have several
hostnames (aliases) though one is designated as its
It is often possible to guess a hostname for a particular
institution. This is useful if you want to know if they
abbreviations thereof, with the appropriate
domain appended,
e.g. "mit.edu". If this fails, prepend "ftp." or "www." as
appropriate, e.g. "www.data-io.com". You can use the
pingcommand as a quick way to test whether a hostname is valid.
The folklore interest of hostnames stems from the creativity
and humour they often display. Interpreting a sitename is not
unlike interpreting a vanity licence plate; one has to
mentally unpack it, allowing for mono-case and length
restrictions and the lack of whitespace. Hacker tradition
deprecates dull, institutional-sounding names in favour of
punchy, humorous, and clever coinages (except that it is
considered appropriate for the official public gateway machine
of an organisation to bear the organisation's name or
acronym). Mythological references, cartoon characters, animal
names, and allusions to SF or fantasy literature are probably
the most popular sources for sitenames (in roughly descending
order). The obligatory comment is Harris's Lament: "All the
good ones are taken!"
level name used by the host.
(1995-02-16)