I answered your question on another forum, (connecting a MAC to a PC it think) but just to add to that
TCP/IP is the world standard network communication protocol. PC's simply pump out addressed packets of data and all other connected computers are able to read those packets.
When another PC intercepts a packet addressed to itself, it reads that packet and passes the information up to be dealt with by another program.
TCP/IP addressing is a pain for humans to remember (lots of numbers!!) so NETBIOS is used to link familiar names and IP addresses together. (IE use BOTH!!)
- So <PING NAME> has the same function as <PING 192.168.0.1>
Also, nothing will show up in Network Neighbourhood without NETBIOS.
NOTE
NETBIOS should NOT be enabled on an adapter with direct access to the Internet (like a Modem)
This is because it advertises and solicits anonymous access to your computers system - something hackers can (and will) exploit.
If you find NETBIOS enabled on a modem, disable it. It can only bring trouble.
NETBIOS is not used on the Internet - DNS is used to link Domain Names to IP address instead.
HTH
Tels Win2000 Network Administrator