Operating System Client Support

Because many different client systems—including Linux, Windows, and Macintosh systems—are used in today's networks, network operating systems need to support each of these client systems. Of the three client systems mentioned, Microsoft Windows is by far the most popular. However, in recent years, other platforms have experienced a surge in popularity.

Windows Server Client Support

Windows-based servers support all the client software that is used on networks today. Many types of client software, including Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me, Windows NT Workstation, Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 3.x, and editions of Windows NT Server, are natively supported by Windows servers and can be integrated with relative ease. To connect to a Windows server, Client for Microsoft Networks needs to be installed on the client systems.

Unix systems are fully configurable with Windows servers, via a special add-on pack called Windows Services for Unix. This add-on pack provides compatibility with the Unix NFS and a variety of Unix utilities. Macintosh, on the other hand, requires the Services for Macintosh product, which allows Macintosh clients to use TCP/IP and access shared files, directories, and printers on a Windows 2000 server.

NetWare Server Client Support

As a major player in the network operating system world, NetWare provides support for a variety of clients. When connecting Windows systems in a NetWare environment, you need to consider the following:

• To connect a Windows NT/2000 workstation to a NetWare 3.x or 4.x network, you need the NWLink protocol and you need CSNW installed. NetWare 5.x does not specifically require the NWLink protocol, but it does requires client software to access the NetWare server. Alternatively, you can use the Novell-supplied client software, which, in fact, offers more functionality than the CSNW product.

• Connecting a Windows server system to a NetWare server to act as a gateway requires NWLink and GSNW.

• To connect Windows desktop systems to a NetWare 3.x or 4.x network, IPX/SPX (or Microsoft's own version of it, NWLink) is required on the workstation, as is CSNW or the Novell client software. NetWare 5.x does not specifically require IPX/SPX, and NetWare 6 does not necessarily require client-side software.

Linux Server Client Support

Because a Linux workstation uses the same operating system that is running on the server, client support is both integrated and seamless. Linux client systems can access all the resources offered by a Linux server with ease. The most common resources are file sharing, which is normally facilitated through NFS, and printing, which is made available through the Line Printer daemon.

As discussed earlier in this chapter, Windows clients are able to access resources on a Linux server through the Samba product. Macintosh clients can also use the Samba functionality.