Which services should be enabled on a new server to resolve hostnames for a variety of client operating systems?

Enabling DNS (Domain Name System) services on a new server is crucial for resolving hostnames across various client operating systems. DNS functions as a directory service that translates user-friendly domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. This is essential because users typically find it easier to remember domain names rather than numeric IP addresses.

In a mixed environment where different client operating systems operate, DNS is the most universally supported method for hostname resolution. It allows all devices—whether they are running Windows, macOS, Linux, or any other operating system—to look up and communicate with services and devices by their hostname.

While the other options have their own specific roles in networking, they do not serve the same purposes as DNS when it comes to hostname resolution. For instance, NAT (Network Address Translation) is primarily used for managing IP address mapping and does not resolve hostnames. LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is utilized for directory services and can help with user authentication and information retrieval but is not involved in hostname resolution. WINS (Windows Internet Naming Service) is specific to Windows networks and provides name resolution for older Windows systems using NetBIOS, but it is largely deprecated in favor of DNS.