ShareWare OnLine 2/ShareWare OnLine Volume 2 (CMS Software)(1993).iso/network/spec593.zip/!NOS50.TXT

Text File | 1993-04-30 | 17KB | 346 lines

     {LANtastic Network Operating System

     {LANtastic Network Starter Kits for Ethernet
     {LANtastic/AI(TM) Software
     {LANtastic Ethernet Software Kits

     From its first release in 1987, the LANtastic network operating system
     was the choice of small businesses who found that connecting computers
     could be understandable and affordable, without needing vast chunks of
     the computer's RAM. More and more users started sharing files,
     printers and applications from one PC to another.

     LANtastic championed the concept of peer-to-peer PC networking -
     connecting computers directly instead of to a centralized server -
     which proved to be more flexible than systems requiring dedicated file
     servers with heavy price tags, complicated software, huge chunks of
     memory and constant management.

     As the LANtastic network matured, it gained security features,
     sophisticated printer functions, built-in electronic mail, disk
     caching, CD-ROM sharing, voice capability and a Windows interface that
     brought drag-and-drop ease to PC connections. The latest version of
     the LANtastic network is still an economical choice for a small
     business, but now appeals to large corporations who need reliable
     connections and more bang for the buck.

     In the computer press, editors and readers alike praised the LANtastic
     network for its combination of low price, high performance and ease of
     use.

     "LANtastic is simple and complete. The product is reliable, well-
     supported, well-priced, and it is easy to install and use. . .
     Artisoft continues to take a good thing and make it better."
     PC Magazine(R) Editor's Choice Award(R), April 14, 1992

     "While some programs simply run in the Windows environment, LANtastic
     for Windows adds value to its Windows migration. It fully exploits
     Windows' special features. DDE links make it possible to send smarter
     files across the LAN. . ." Communications Week, September 28, 1992

     "Artisoft has boosted the performance of its peer-LAN operating-system
     leader, LANtastic, without sacrificing ease of use or making it more
     expensive." Byte Award of Distinction, January 1993

     "PROS: Provides a wide range of connectivity options to other networks
     and operating environments; excellent integration with Windows. CONS:
     None." PC Computing(R), January 1993

     The LANtastic network works on just about any PC, from XTs to the
     latest high-powered machines. It allows mixed networks of DOS and
     Windows stations, and automatically installs DOS menus or Windows
     drag-and-drop drive and printer assignments.

     Features in the latest version of the network provide more management
     control and global resources available to every station and server on
     the system. In Windows, a scrapbook allows users to save to and cut
     from a central resource of text and graphics.

     Now the LANtastic system has built-in connections to NetWare(R)
     servers as well as to OS/2(R), Write Once, Read Many (WORM) and other
     non-DOS drives, providing connections to a wider variety of corporate
     resources.

     {Global resources} allows access to multiple servers and their
     resources with a single login. On sophisticated multiple-server
     LANtastic networks, the feature provides easy access to specialized
     printers, fax, and other shared special resources.

     {Operator privileges} are a powerful system management tool that
     provides a complete overview of the network, from individual user's
     access rights to finding how much network traffic flows to and from
     which nodes, so resources can be shifted to areas where they are
     needed most.

     {Voice features}, where LANtastic has long led the way, are expanded
     in the current version. In addition to support for Voice Mail and live
     Voice Chat over network lines, network stations with Artisoft Sounding
     Board(R) adapters can get voice error messages. LAN Radio lets Windows
     users communicate with each other or create a conference call across
     the network without using phone lines. It lets you select from 100
     voice channels for communication flexibility.

     {High-speed data transfer} sets the LANtastic system apart from other
     peer networks, and puts the network in the same league as expensive
     dedicated-server systems.  Resource caching contributes to LANtastic
     speed; instead of searching a server's hard drive for file
     directories, open files or a user's access rights, the network stores
     that information in the server's memory where it is available for an
     immediate response.

     {LANcache(TM)} is a built-in feature to cache applications and files,
     speeding work on the local machine and across the network. LANcache
     caches both reads and writes, avoiding frequent physical access to the
     hard drive, which would slow processing. The LANcache program detects
     and releases its memory to Windows 3.x.

     {Printer features} are critical to any network function. Immediate
     despooling lets the user print large jobs before the file has finished
     spooling to the printer server. Delayed despooling allows network
     users to set a time for a large print job - after business hours, for
     example - to print large files without tying up the printer for other
     work. Remote despooling lets a network administrator distribute print
     jobs efficiently across the network. The print queue screen displays
     which files are waiting to print, including estimated times to start
     and complete each print job. The print monitor notifies the user when
     a print job is complete.

     The LANtastic system sends print jobs to up to five printers
     simultaneously. It allows users to create files to define draft,
     letter quality, different fonts, banner pages, tab expansion and other
     printer options, including margin settings and page lengths for
     printing ASCII files.

     {Management command options} let a network supervisor select from
     menus, hot keys, direct DOS commands or batch files to configure and
     manage the entire system from a single PC. With the LANtastic(R) for
     Windows(TM) interface, a manager can point and click through drive
     assignments, printer connections and the rest of the system's
     controls.

     From any DOS application, users can pop up the LANPUP(TM) program to
     change drive and printer assignments instantly. The feature also notes
     receipt of e-mail messages.

     Network managers can use the NET_RUN command to start tasks remotely
     on any available server on the network, or to shut down a server  -
     either immediately, or at a designated time. The system automatically
     warns users of the impending shutdown. Managers can also lock users
     out of a server when necessary, such as during file backups.

     {File-level security} is the new level of LANtastic protection. It
     uses the password and username with password features to control
     access to files, directories and entire drives. Security settings now
     provide a choice of any or all of 14 security options such as day,
     time and special conditions that a user - or a group of users - must
     meet to have access to network resources. Privileges to read, write,
     modify, create, delete and rename files can be granted or denied any
     user. Users can also be assigned or denied privileges to make, delete
     and look up directories, or to execute programs, change file
     attributes and create indirect files. Managers may set access control
     levels by groups of users, which simplifies managing a larger system
     with many users.

     {Electronic mail} is built into the LANtastic system, with a chat
     feature for real-time messages between two computers. LANtastic is
     also equipped with sound capability to send voice messages across the
     network, or add voice annotation to OLE-supported applications through
     Windows using optional Artisoft Sounding Board adapters.

     {Uninterruptible power supply support} is built in to the LANtastic
     network. When the UPS connected to a server signals an imminent
     shutdown, the LANtastic program warns network users before shutting
     itself down, gives them time to log off, then closes network files so
     no one loses any work.

     {Audit trails} allow the LANtastic system to keep a record of all
     access to subdirectories and devices - when they were used, and for
     how long. This audit feature tracks when users try to enter
     directories to which they've been denied access, providing detailed
     records for security or billing purposes. A new feature notifies the
     network operator of such errors as printers out of paper or full disk
     drives, so the operator can manage the network effectively from one
     desk.

     {CD-ROM drive sharing} across a LANtastic network is simple. Other
     LANs require that CD-ROM extension software be loaded on every remote
     computer accessing the drive. On the LANtastic network, load CD-ROM
     software on a CD-ROM server and all PCs - even diskless workstations -
     that are granted access to that drive simply log into that server for
     the data on the compact disk.

     {Fully compatible with Microsoft(R) Windows 3.0 and above}, the
     LANtastic system uses Windows' Dynamic Data Exchange protocol to
     transfer information between applications.

     {LANtastic help} is context-sensitive on line, with more detail
     contained in the manual. When a user can't find the answer to a
     problem, he can call Artisoft Technical Support from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
     Mountain Standard Time. Or one can call Artisoft's ArtiFactsSM
     Bulletin Board Service, the Artisoft forum on CompuServe(R) or our
     fax-back system for on-line help with answers to common questions.

     {The LANtastic for Windows} graphical user interface is included with
     LANtastic versions labeled "for Windows and DOS." When you install the
     software, the program detects whether the PC is running Windows and,
     if it is, installs the Windows controls. In DOS machines, the same
     installation program sets up the familiar DOS menus for easy access to
     network commands. If you have a DOS version of LANtastic version 4.0
     or above, LANtastic for Windows is available as an upgrade.

     The LANtastic for Windows software provides a pull-down menu interface
     to the system's management utilities. Use the program to
     simultaneously monitor print queues, handle e-mail and manage multiple
     servers and perform a number of other tasks. With the drag-and-drop
     feature, you quickly assign a server's drives and printers as a
     resource on your PC. If you want to use a CD-ROM drive from the
     server, simply drag the CD-ROM icon across the screen, drop it in the
     drive icon of your choice, and it's done.

     One copy of the LANtastic for Windows program supports all your
     network's Windows stations. It runs with LANtastic version 4.0 and
     above and Windows 3.0 and above to make a user-friendly system even
     frendlier.

     {LANtastic products} are available in a variety of packages to meet
     any network needs.

     {LANtastic Starter Kit for Windows and DOS} has everything you need to
     network two PCs: the LANtastic Network Operating System v5.0 with a
     Windows interface with support for up to 500 licensed users, two
     software-configurable LANtastic NodeRunner(TM) 2000/C Ethernet
     adapters, adapter driver and configuration software, cables, T-
     connectors, terminators and complete documentation.

     {LANtastic Starter Kit for DOS} has everything in the above kit except
     the Windows interface.

     {LANtastic/AI single-node for Windows and DOS} software provides an
     adapter-independent version of the LANtastic Network Operating System
     for one PC.

     {LANtastic/AI single-node for DOS} has everything in the above kit
     except the Windows interface.

     {LANtastic/AI 500-user for Windows and DOS} provides the adapter-
     independent version of the LANtastic Network Operating System licensed
     for up to 500 PCs.

     {LANtastic/AI 500-user for DOS} has everything in the above kit except
     the Windows interface.

     {LANtastic Ethernet Software Kit for Windows and DOS} provides network
     software for LANtastic NodeRunner and Artisoft AE series adapters plus
     connecting cables and terminators.

     {LANtastic Ethernet Software Kit for DOS} has everything in the above
     kit except the Windows interface.

     {Benefits

     {}  Install and use easily
     {}  Mixes Windows and DOS stations on the same network; either can be
        a server, workstation or both
     {}  Supports CD-ROM networking simply
     {}  Exchange data with Windows scrapbook feature
     {}  Shares files, printers, tape backups, hard drives and CD-ROMs
     {}  Use any node as a workstation or a workstation/server; no
        dedicated server required
     {}  Increases performance with LANcache software that boosts network
        speed by caching hard disk reads and writes
     {}  Issues commands from easy-to-use menus, command lines, batch
        files, hot keys or LANtastic for Windows interface to configure
        and manage an entire network from one PC
     {}  Manages printing -  large files start printing before they finish
        spooling to the server's drive, print queues monitored on screen,
        immediate despooling on request, despooling to multiple printers,
        or despooling delayed to a convenient print time
     {}  Use pull-down menus, icons and on-line help to easily set up
        logins, connect to printer servers and log into additional
        servers
     {}  Unloads from memory
     {}  Tracks network activity with audit trails
     {}  Protects privacy with 14 security levels, from files to whole
        drives and individuals to defined groups
     {}  Requires only 16K of RAM overhead per workstation, 40K on a
        server
     {}  Includes electronic mail with Chat and pop-up message
        notification
     {}  Uses voice mail and voice chat with optional Sounding Board
        adapters
     {}  Safeguards your network with built-in UPS support
     {}  Process files and shut down servers from remote servers
     {}  Sets up a dedicated server for higher performance with ALONE(TM)
        program
     {}  Assigns wildcard user names for groups of users
     {}  Overcomes DOS limitations, opening up to 5100 files per server
     {}  Supports file-and-record locking in DOS 3.1 and above
     {}  Runs other NetBIOS-compatible applications
     {}  Compatibile with Microsoft Windows 3.0 and above
     {}  Supports 500 licensed users (except for single-node AI version)
     {}  Auto-reconnects after dropped server connection
     {}  Bridges to NetWare servers
     {}  Redirects WORM and non-DOS drives
     {}  Provides access to global network resources
     {}  Routable NetBIOS for enhanced connectivity in complex
        installations

     {Specifications

     {Network Operating System RAM overhead (not including NetBIOS drivers)

     {}  Server: Less than 40K
     {}  Workstation: Less than 16K
     {}  Expanded or extended memory supported, but not required

     {Maximum users per server
     {}  500

     {Adapter specifications - Starter Kit
     {}  LANtastic NodeRunner 2000/C: IEEE 802.3 10BASE2 (thin Ethernet)

     {Data transfer rate
     {}  10 megabits per second

     {Buffer RAM
     {}  32K on board

     {I/O addresses
     {}  300h, 320h, 340h and 360h

     {Interrupt request lines (IRQs)
     {}  2, 3, 5, 10, and 15

     {Access protocol
     {}  CSMA/CD

     {Maximum number of nodes per segment
     {}  30

     {Maximum network cable lengths per segment
     {}  Up to 185 meters (607 feet) with RG-58A/U or RG- 58C/U coax cable
        (thin Ethernet)

     {Other supported adapters

     {}  Artisoft NodeRunner and AE series
     {}  LANtastic AI includes drivers for adapters from 3Com, Thomas-
        Conrad, Eagle, SMC and others. NDIS Support for LANtastic is
        available separately.

     {PC requirements

     {}  IBM(R) PC or compatible, 8086 processor or above, 256K RAM (DOS)
     {}  IBM or compatible, 80286 processor or above (Windows)
     {}  MS-DOS(R) 3.1 and above (3.2 is not recommended)
     {}  One floppy drive (supports diskless workstations with optional
        boot ROM or PEROM chip)

     {The Artisoft Advantage

     {}  Free, unlimited technical support to registered owners and
        resellers
     {}  A 30-day money-back guarantee on all Artisoft products
     {}  Artisoft's five-year limited warranty on all hardware