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The name does not resolve

What you see: http://<name>.local gives "server not found", "this site can't be reached" or "hmm, we can't find that site", while http://<address> works.

Why​

<name>.local is an mDNS name: the box announces it on the local network, and your computer has to listen. Windows, macOS, iPhones, Android and most Linux desktops do. These do not:

  • The host of a virtual machine on a NAT network (libvirt, VirtualBox, the default in both). The host never hears the guest's announcement. This is the usual case during a demo.
  • A computer on another network, or behind a router that blocks multicast between Wi-Fi and wired clients (some "AP isolation" settings).
  • Linux without an mDNS resolver (no Avahi, or .local not in nsswitch.conf).

What to do​

  • Use the address. Everything answers on it, the apps included; the About pane shows which address your browser is using. Only two things care about the name: the https:// certificate, which is issued for the name, and LosOS Git's clone URLs, which print the name.
  • On a VM host, add a line to the host's hosts file (/etc/hosts on Linux and macOS, C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts on Windows): 192.168.122.56 <name>.local. Then the name and the certificate both work.
  • On Linux without Avahi, install avahi and nss-mdns, or use the hosts file as above.

Not this page​

If the address does not work either, it is Cannot reach the box. If the name works but https:// warns, it is Certificate warning.