TITLE
    Mac OS X Public Beta: "localhost" Appears in Host Name Field
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		31250
9/14/00
10/16/00
TOPIC

    If a Mac OS X Public Beta computer's TCP/IP settings change, or if the computer is not on a network, "localhost" may appear in the Host Name field.

DISCUSSION

    Symptom

    The name "localhost" appears in the Host Name field. The host name also appears in the system login dialog.

    Products affected
    • Mac OS X Public Beta.

    Solution

    To see your computer's TCP/IP settings:
      1. Open System Preferences.
      2. Click Network.
      3. Click the TCP/IP tab.

    Mac OS X Public Beta uses the default name "localhost" as part of its normal operation. Many computers do not have TCP/IP host names, which are normally assigned by a network administrator. As an alternative to "localhost," be aware that you might see a generic-looking numerical host name. Some Internet service providers or network administrators may assign a name based on your computer's location on the network. Such a name might include zone and port information, and it might take a form similar to:
      zone-port.subdomain.domain.com

    So an example might look like:
      a1b-2345p6.info.apple.com

    When a computer is not set up to have a host name, localhost is a default name that refers back to the computer on which it is displayed. The TCP/IP host name should not be confused with the AppleTalk computer name, which you may define under the AppleTalk tab. For further explanation of host names, see:

    Article 58724: " Mac OS X Public Beta: What is a Host Name? "

    "localhost" may appear in any of these situations:
    • If you set your computer's TCP/IP tab to "Configure: Using DHCP", your computer may be assigned an IP address that does not have a host name associated with it.
    • If you set your TCP/IP tab to "Configure: No Connection". A computer without a TCP/IP connection cannot verify its own name.
    • If you set your TCP/IP tab to "Configure: Manually", you may use a TCP/IP address that does not have a host name associated with it.

    See your local network administrator or your Internet Service Provider to find out:
    • the correct TCP/IP settings for the network on which your computer resides
    • whether your computer should have a TCP/IP host name

Document Information
Product Area: Mac OS System Software
Category: Mac OS X
Sub Category: General Topics

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