Network Support Library/RoseWare - Network Support Library.iso/pressgen/smalan.txt

Text File | 1990-03-28 | 19KB | 452 lines

                            The Small LAN Letter

          ....Communications & Connectivity for Small Business....

        by SOS Publishing, P.O. Box 320, Pickerington,  Ohio   43147

                              March/April 1990


 We the Little, the Forgotten!
----------------------------

by John Smart, Editor

Too often, the computer industry tends to focus on the needs of the corporate
user as the primary audience of PC related publications. Five years ago, they
were the "primary market" of users looking for more information concerning
personal computers and related topics.

Today however, we are witnessing an increase in the number of small business
as well as home business users who need timely information on these issues.
Falling hardware prices have made it possible for an entirely new base of
owners to enjoy the benefits (and challenges!) of installing, operating, and
maintaining a personal computer and associated products.

The computer, in fact, is generally the extra "arms and legs" of the small
business owner. It minimizes the need for additional manpower in the critical
early stages of a growing enterprise. A well planned computer system will cost
justify itself many times over in leveraged productivity.

Not surprisingly, many entrepreneurs find it more cost effective to add a
second or third PC before they hire additional employees! Computers don't pay
social security tax, they won't ask for a raise (some PC's have been known to
beg for additional disk space however!), and they work long hours without
complaining. Just one extra system can make a business 10 times (or 100 times
possibly) more productive than before.

Many business owners have now found they are running two or three systems in
their office. generally they are dedicated to specific tasks. Each system has
become a sort of "island" only able to process the files and software stored
on it's own disk. Also, the printers, modems, and other equipment attached to
these machines cannot be shared by all users.


Our Charter
-----------
A need now exists for information directed to the small business and home
business user who works with multiple PC'S. This brings us to the primary
focus of "The Small LAN Letter." There are many communication / connectivity
issues that apply primarily to the small user. Product value for our almighty
dollar is near the top of the list!

Among the array of thousands of PC "compatible" (what a loaded word!)
networking / connectivity products that are out there, some work, some work
marginally, and some simply exist only on a data sheet! The unfortunate fact
is they all take away a little bit of your precious capital (the pay check
from your other job.) While this letter will never claim a product to be 100%
viable and true to marketed promises, we will attempt to lift the vail of
truth based on our experiences, and those reported by others.






The intent is to use this publication as a central clearing house of
information that addresses the connectivity and communications needs of the
small business and also the home business ( we are searching for a system that
irons clothes!) We do not intend to make this a LAN (local area network) only
type of publication. There are multitudes of "disk sharing"products that do
not qualify as a true network. Nevertheless, these hardware/software add-ons
can make information sharing as well as printer sharing a low cost reality.

Other proposed topics include Home LAN cases studies, remote communications,
file back-up methods, businesses with multiple networks tied together, and a
survey of software related products in the E-mail and office productivity
class. This is the essence of what the publication is intended to accomplish.
The final product will largely be guided by response from the readership.

Which brings me to an important feature that will definitely be included in
every issue. Every good PC related publication that's worth its salt should
have a Questions & Answer section. It is our commitment to answer questions as
space permits. Similar and related questions may be grouped to prevent
duplication and save space, but only if the essence of the question is
covered. Regretfully, time and resources will not permit us respond directly
to each user, but every attempt will be made to cover the issues requested.

The point is that we want this to be a "user focused" product. Not an ivory
tower view of how small systems should be connected, but hopefully a window
view into the offices of the small systems user, showing how they ARE WORKING,
and how other users might implement them.



A Brief History
---------------

Enough of the WHAT we intend to accomplish! A little insight into how this
project grew into a reality may help one understand the slant of "The Small
LAN Letter."

My (John Smart) background has centered around computers for the last 14+
years, both in the technical and marketing aspects of the business. Serving in
positions with several major product manufacturers and distributors helped me
to realize the need for information (and reliable!) in this field.

I became interested in the working at home movement shortly after leaving a
sales post with Novell in the summer of '89. It was then that I realized the
power of the personal computer was really in the hands of many users who
depend on these systems daily in their home business.

While at Novell, I encountered hundreds of small business users who had
purchased a very reasonably priced networking software product called Novell
ELS (Entry Level System). Many of these users would complain they had "No
Support" or low support from the source which had sold them the product. They
had became an island to themselves.

The low entry price had been a curse in disguise for many of the owners. They
failed to recognize that for any product, the old saying holds true: "You get
what you pay for!" Neither Novell nor the computer dealer/mailorder house who
sold them ELS could justify extensive support because of the low selling
price. Once the system was up and running, they generally were on their own.
Some wrongfully were never helped to this point in set-up. A need for support,
ideas, questions & answers was identified.








The real decision to actually publish The Small LAN Letter came after a
string of message exchanges with Paul & Sarah Edwards, Sysop's on CompuServe's
Work at Home Forum. They along with other forum members agreed with the need
for timely information regarding small systems connectivity. This response
gave me the assurance that at least a few interested parties were out there.

Being a work at home type myself has allowed me to appreciate just how
isolated a small business can be. If was responsible for fighting every
hardware / software battle alone, minus little previous computer experience,
I'm convinced I'd be a basket case! Hence, another information product was
born!

Small Connections
-----------------

Now down to business! As I stated earlier, the major focus of this newsletter
is to supply the reader with information that applies to small computer
networks. In this premier issue, I will cover two of the currently available
PC/AT based networks that fall into the low end (affordable) category. They
are the "Invisible Network," from Invisible Software, Inc. and "Lantastic," by
Artisoft, Inc.

This first installment of product reviews will be limited to information
supplied by each vendor. Future issues will cover actual hands-on product
comparisons with comments supplied by the vendor and actual users. Again, user
input is encouraged! If you are using a small and/or low cost connectivity
product, please respond with questions, comments, and recommendations for the
benefit of all readers.

Artisoft is a network products company that has been around since 1982. They
are no newcomer to the industry. Their product, Lantastic, has made some major
noise in the low cost network industry. Last year it was selected as PC
MAgazine's Editor's Choice, and also as PC World's Best Buy.

A key feature which Lantastic offers is "peer-to-peer" networking. In network
jargon, peer-to-peer generally means "the ability of each user to send and
receive files and print jobs between each other user." Peer-to-peer networks
allow users to share all resources connected to each computer more
conveniently.

The Lantastic software is unique since it uses a very small 13 - 40K of memory
in the workstation. Memory usage is the biggest challenge to networking
compatibility. If the LAN you are using takes away too much memory, your
application software will never run.

The product is available in a 2 user starter kit priced at $399. This kit
includes two workstation interface cards, rated at a speed of 2
mega-bits-per-second (Mbps), a 15 foot network cable, and the network
operating system (NOS) software complete with all documentation.

Another interesting note for those interested in sharing very large databases
of information: Artisoft states that Lantastic will support networked CD-ROM
drives which use the Microsoft CD-ROM extensions. This could open up support
for a large number of information based businesses who need a low cost
networking system.

Lantastic supports 3 printers per server, offers password security, plus
basic electronic mail. This system will track each user's access using an
audit trail that records log in and usage of the network.







Based on the features, price, and specifications, I rate this package with an
"8" on the 0 worst, 10 best scale. For more information on Lantastic contact
Artisoft at 575 East River Rd., Tucson, Arizona 85704, [phone]


 Number Two
----------
Invisible Software also offers a workable solution for creating a low cost
network. Their product, appropriately named the Invisible Network, also comes
packaged as a 2 station starter kit priced at $215. They use a network adapter
card rated at 1.8 Mbps, which is slightly slower than Lantastic's, but not
enough to create a major performance difference.

Their NET/30 software will support up to 44 workstations. A nice standard
feature found on this product is the ability of the network card to "boot" the
computer and load the network driver automatically without requiring a floppy
drive in the workstation. This "boot PROM" feature is usually optional in
most other networking systems.

NET/30 does not include password security or electronic mail features, but
for the price, I could learn to trust my employees and yell messages across
the room! The Invisible Network is easy to wire together, since it uses
standard push and click telephone wire and connectors. Since this network uses
the Master / Slave approach to networking, you must power on the master
station before the slave computer will work properly.

Overall, the Invisible Network is an excellent value at $215 for a two user
system. I rate it a "7" on the preference scale. For more information, contact
Invisible Software, 1165 Chess Drive, Suite D, Foster City, CA 94404, (415)
570-5967


General Considerations
----------------------

Buying and installing connectivity products for your business can be a smooth
process or it can result in disaster! As with any project, a little planning
can go a long way toward preventing chaos. Here are a few questions to address
during the planning stage of your network project:

What is the major purpose of your network? Do you need to share printers,
application programs, data or mixture of all? How many computers do you need
to connect? How far apart are they? Can I add more workstations in the future?
What is the free amount of disk storage in your system? (This maybe the best
time to increase your hard disk capacity)

Does the software you currently have support network usage? How do you intend
to back-up the information on the network? (Don't cut corners here, your
business records and data are likely more valuable than the extra cost of a
backup system). Who in your business will be responsible for the network?
These are just a few of the questions you need to examine before making a
decision on which network to select.














Installation
------------

You may elect to contract with a consultant for installing this system and
training your employees on it's operation. Choose this person or company
wisely. Insist on references. Interview them as though you were going to "hire
them" full time in your company. This element can make a significant
difference regarding the success or failure of your system and indirectly,
your business!

By all means, make sure they understand what you expect this system to
provide. Get some form of performance statement in writing! I have heard the
same story more than once about a vendor who sold and installed a complete
network, only to find that his customer would not pay because the system did
not operate up to the customer's expectations.

Also, spell out the level of training you expect; how many users, what
software, how many training sessions? Time well spent in the planning stage of
your system will pay for itself many times over in increased productivity down
the road.

Questions & Answers
-------------------

Q. "Do you have any economical solutions for networking 2-4 computers that are
at different locations?" from Jim Roberts, CompuServe Work-at-Home Forum.

A. This is probably the single most asked question in the small (or large)
network field. Their are several solutions that allow users at different
locations to connect with one common network. They vary primarily in the cost
involved and the ease of access to the network information. These systems
usually consist of two software components: One at the network site and
another at each of the remote locations. The remote computer dials into the
network system via modem. Once connected the remote user appears as though he
was connected locally and has the use of all normal network resources.

The main limitation in any remote connection will probably be the modem baud
rate. Slower modems mean slow performance. A dedicated PC at the network site
is usually required. This means setting aside one machine just for remote
communication. This machine could be used for other applications during off
periods when no dial-in traffic is expected. This is a great way to keep in
touch while on the road or when helping a customer with some PC related issue.


Two products that offer such features are: Close-Up sold in two modules at
$245 + $195 for each remote, from Norton-Lambert, P.O. Box 4085, Santa
Barbara, CA 93140 [phone] and secondly, Co-Session sold in two modules
at $125 and $175 remote or a two user only package for $249, from Triton
Technologies, 200 Middlesex Essex Turnpike, Iselin, NJ  08830, [phone].


If you have a question about small networks or communications please address
them to: The Small LAN Letter, P.O. Box 320, Pickerington, Ohio  43147, or send
E-Mail to CompuServe address 73317,122 While every effort will be made to
answer these inquiries, it may not be possible to address each and every one,
due to high volume. Answers will be published bi-monthly in this section of the
letter.














The Small LAN Letter is published bi-monthly by SOS Publishing, P.O. Box 320,
Pickerington, Ohio  43147.  To obtain subscription information, please send
your name, complete address to the above address or send via EasyPlex to
John Smart, 73317,122.



                          ... Notice to Readers ...

This publication is sold as information only. The publisher makes no guarantee
or warrantee regarding it's content and shall have no liability with respect
to contacts or agreements of any kind that may result from information
obtained in this newsletter. SOS Publishing assumes no liability for any loss
or damage caused by the use of such information.




















































                   .... Networking Glossary of Terms ....
                                   Unit 1


ACCESS: The ability to open and read or write to files which are stored on a
network disk drive. Different levels of access may be assigned to specific
users, depending on the features of the particular network software in use.

ACTIVE HUB: A device which is used to boost the network signal and thereby
allowing more workstations to be connected. This unit is most often referred
to when dealing with the ARCNET system for connecting workstations and
servers.

ADD-ON CARD: An circuit board that is installed in one of the computer's
expansion slots, which adds non-standard features and capabilities to the
system. Most commonly used as a Network Interface Card (NIC) in LAN jargon.

ADDRESS: A number that represents a specific location within the computer's
memory section. Also, can refer to a number that designates a particular
workstation or other network device.

ADMINISTRATOR: A person who is trained on the overall use of the network and
is generally responsible for adding users, system back-up, and general
maintenance of the network hardware and software.

APPLICATION: A software package that runs on a computer / workstation that is
used to perform a specific function; ie: wordprocessing, spreadsheet,
accounting, etc. It may support multi-user operation or may only be a
standalone (single-user) version.

ASCII: (Pronounced ASKEY) Acronym for American Standard Code for Information.
A standard set of 128 characters used to represent alphanumeric letters,
numbers, and symbols in a 7 bit computer binary format. The IBM-PC/AT system
uses an extended form of the ASCII character set which includes 256 characters
stored in an 8 bit format. An ASCII TEXT FILE is a file made up of ASCII
characters that is readable directly from DOS and can be easily transferred
between application programs.

ARCNET: Acronym for Attached Resource Computer Network. A network interface
standard designed by Datapoint, Inc. Popular in small networks because of a
convenient star/hub connection for workstations.

ASYNCHRONOUS: The most common transmission method for sending information
between personal computers. Each character is sent one bit at a time. Each
character has one start and stop bit which is used to synchronize the
communications link on both ends of the transmission. Most 300/1200/2400 baud
low cost modems use asynchronous transmission.