What distinguishes a Domain from a Workgroup in terms of resource access?

A domain is characterized by its ability to provide centralized management of resources across multiple networks, including the Internet or a wide area network (WAN). This centralization allows for complex structures, like multiple geographical locations, to be managed under a single administrative umbrella. In a domain, resources such as files, printers, and applications can be accessed by users regardless of their physical location, as long as they have the necessary permissions.

The strength of domains comes from their reliance on directory services, like Active Directory in Windows environments, which handles authentication and access policies for users connecting from various locations outside of a local network. This capability stands in contrast to workgroups, where resources are typically confined to the local network, and each device must manage user authorization independently, leading to a more fragmented system.

In summary, the ability of domains to access resources over the Internet or WAN is a critical differentiator from workgroups, which typically restrict resource access to a localized environment.