Difference between Workgroup and Domain

Key difference: A workgroup is a type of peer-to-peer network. It is essentially the name for a Windows based peer-to-peer computer network. Computers in this kind of network can allow each other access to their files, printers, or Internet connection. A domain, on the other hand, is a client/server network in which the security and resource management is centralized. This means that a singular administration has control over the domain and allows which users have access to which files.

Domains and workgroups are two different methods for organizing computers in a network. The main difference between the two is in the manner they operate, chiefly how the computers and other resources on the networks are managed.

A workgroup is a type of peer-to-peer network. It is essentially the name for a Windows based peer-to-peer computer network. Computers in this kind of network can allow each other access to their files, printers, or Internet connection. In order to do this, every user must have an account on each of the workgroup’s computers that they require access to. These settings and access are managed by each computer’s user.

A domain, on the other hand, is a client/server network in which the security and resource management is centralized. This means that a singular administration has control over the domain and allows which users have access to which files. In a domain, there is a one single database for domain users. A user can log on at any workstation via their account and access the files.

Advantages of Domain over workgroup:

Centralized administration
User can log on at any workstation and access domain resources.
Security of data, user and groups
Runs on Windows 2000 and 2003 Server or advance support for server configuration
File, folder & user and group permission can be assigned.

A side-to-side comparison of workgroup and domain:

	Workgroup	Domain
Network type	Peer-to-peer Windows computer network	Client/server network
Log in	User needs to have separate log in id and password at each workstation	User can log on at any workstation via their account and access domain resources
Workstations	Computers are limited to maximum 10	There can be up to 2000 computers
Administrator	Each user controls the resources and security locally on their PC's	One administrator to administer the domain and its users and resources.
Location	All computers must be on the same local network or subnet.	The computers can be on different local networks, i.e. anywhere in the world.
Computer's settings	Each user controls the settings on their own computer. No central settings.	One can make only limited changes to a computer's settings because network administrators often want to ensure consistency among computers.
Changes	Each computer must be changed manually or once changed must be transferred to each computer.	Changes made to one are automatically made to all computers
Security	User needs to have separate log in id and password at each workstation, but once logged in can access the computer.	Domain users must provide a password or other credentials each time they access the domain.