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ShareWare OnLine Volume 2 (CMS Software)(1993).iso
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1993-04-30
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{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