Fundamentally, Domain, Workgroup, and Homegroup differ in how they organize devices and resources on a computer network. To understand more, let's delve into how Domain, Workgroup, and Homegroup differ.
How Do Domain, Workgroup, and Homegroup Differ?
Workgroups, domains, and homegroups represent different ways to organize devices and resources on a computer network.
1. Understanding Workgroups
How do domains, workgroups, and homegroups differ?
Here are 5 distinctive features of Workgroups, contrasting with domains and homegroups:
Within a Workgroup, all computers are peers, with no computer having control over another.
Each computer has its own set of user accounts. To log in to any account on a computer within the Workgroup, you must have that account on your own computer.
Typically, a Workgroup consists of around 20 computers.
Workgroups are not password protected.
All computers must be on the same local network or subnet.
2. Understanding Homegroups
Here are 2 distinctive features of HomeGroup, differing from Domain and Workgroup:
Computers on the home network must belong to a Workgroup, but they can also be part of a Homegroup.
Homegroups are password protected, but you only need to enter the password once when adding a computer to the Homegroup.
3. Understanding Domains
Here are 6 distinctive features of Domains, differing from Workgroup and Homegroup:
In a Domain, computers are organized in a way where one or more computers act as servers.
Servers are utilized by network administrators to control other computers.
If you have a user account on the Domain, you can log in to any computer within the Domain. No need for user accounts on individual computers to log in.
You can only modify restrictions in computer settings because network administrators aim to ensure consistency among computers.
There are thousands of computers within a Domain.
Computers can reside on different local networks.
Relationship between Domain, Workgroup, and Homegroup
Computers within a home network are part of a Workgroup and may also be part of a Homegroup. Computers in the workplace are part of a Domain. Refer to how to connect to a Homegroup network here.
Windows computers on the network must be part of a Workgroup or Domain. Additionally, Windows computers on a home network may also be part of a Homegroup, although this is not mandatory.
Hopefully, after reading this article, you will gain a deeper understanding of the differences between Domain, Workgroup, and Homegroup, and you won't confuse them anymore.