Network Support Library/RoseWare - Network Support Library.iso/nwlite/faxdoc.exe/2650.TXT

Text File | 1993-05-12 | 6KB | 130 lines

                                     FYI

(Note: The origin of this information may be internal or external to Novell.
Novell makes every effort within its means to verify this information.
However, the information provided in this document is FOR YOUR INFORMATION
only.  Novell makes no explicit or implied claims to the validity of this
information.)

          TITLE:    Before Beginning Installation
   DOCUMENT ID#:    FYI.P.6018
           DATE:    01DEC92
        PRODUCT:    NetWare Lite
PRODUCT VERSION:    All versions
     SUPERSEDES:    NA
 LITE FAX DOC #:    2650

SYMPTOM

     NA

ISSUE/PROBLEM

     Before Begining Installation

     NetWare Lite is designed to allow multiple computers (nodes) in a
     physical LAN segment (network) to share resources like printers and disk
     space.  Computers that make resources available to the network are called
     servers.  Computers that access resources are called clients.  In NetWare
     Lite's peer-to-peer environment, almost any computer on the network can
     be a server, a client, or both.  The only limitation is that a server
     must have a hard disk.  However, there are other things to consider when
     deciding which computers will be servers, clients, or both.  Before you
     begin installing NetWare Lite, take a few minutes to consider the
     following:

     ■    Which computers have printers, applications, or data that need to be
          shared?

     ■    How big or fast are the hard disks and CPUs in the computers that
          will be part of the network?

     ■    Where will the computers and printers be located?  Are they close
          enough together for the cabling system that you plan to use?

     ■    What kind of network board will you use?

     ■    Can one of the computers be made a dedicated server to increase
          network performance?

     ■    Will any of the computers be connected to another network at the
          same time?


     ■    Which computers can be made physically secure?

     ■    How sensitive will information on this network be?

     ■    Who will be responsible for network administration?

     All of these items will effect whether you decide to make a computer a
     server, a client, or both.  In general, the machines with the fastest
     hard disk/CPU combinations should be made servers.  Installing
     applications on the computer with the greatest disk capacity will
     facilitate centralized administration and maintenance but may not be the
     best choice from a performance standpoint.

          Example:

          Suppose everyone on the network uses the same word processor that is
          installed on computer A, but only one person uses the spreadsheet
          application managing a large database.  Because the spreadsheet
          application can demand large amounts of processing capacity, it
          would probably be better to install the spreadsheet and database on
          a server other than computer A.  That way the spreadsheet and word
          processor will not have to compete for processing time.

     A major consideration in setting up any network is what type of cabling
     system (topology) will be used.  The most important factor is distance
     between computers.  Another factor is how cabling can be routed through
     your office or building.  There are several widely used systems to choose
     from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.  For information on
     cabling and other hardware issues see the series of fax documents on
     "Hardware."

     If there is only one server in your network or a particular server does
     not require access to other servers' resources, then you should consider
     making it a dedicated server.  See the fax document "Dedicated Servers"
     for more information on setting up a dedicated server.

     For information on installing NetWare Lite in a preexisting network, see
     the series of fax documents on "NetWare and NetWare Lite."

     Security requirements will also determine which computers should be
     servers/clients.  NetWare Lite provides three levels of security to
     protect your sensitive data.  However, it is best to physically protect
     computers containing sensitive material as well.  This may mean having to
     place such computers behind locked doors.

     How your network is administered will contribute significantly to user
     satisfaction.  NetWare Lite greatly simplifies network administration by
     decentralizing the databases used to keep track of items such as who can
     log in or who has privileges to what.  A major feature of NetWare Lite is
     the ability to administer the network from any computer on the network.
     This means that each person who administers the network does not have to
     use "the server" to perform administrative tasks.  For more information
     on administration and security, see the series of fax documents on
     "Network Administration."

     To access the fax document system, do the following:


     1.   Call 1-800-NET-WARE
     2.   Press the * key during the initial recording.  The computer will
          then switch over to the FAX system and prompt for some information.

     3.   When it prompts for the FAX document number, type 1.

     After hanging up, the computer will call up your fax machine and send you
     each document requested.

     Note:  Document 1 is an index to other documents available on the fax
     system.

SOLUTION

     NA