At IU, what naming conventions does UITS recommend 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, groups, and other objects must be unique across campuses. Since there is no built-in hierarchy, hierarchy must be implemented through the names themselves. Note that WINS enforces unique names across campuses, and computer names are limited to 15 characters.

Note: The names of Active Directory objects that are centrally managed by UITS will take precedence over conflicting objects created within the directory.

OUs and DFS root names

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

Examples of this syntax include:

Note: Campus can be physical or logical. Cross-campus units should use the most appropriate Campus code, including "IU".

Servers, workstations, printers, groups, group policies, contacts, mail-enabled public folders, and distribution lists

The syntax for servers, workstations, printers, groups, group policies, contacts, mail-enabled public folders, and distribution lists is:

Examples of this syntax include:

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

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