Network Providers

As mentioned earlier, a network provider is a service that uses network hardware to access files and printers located on a remote computer. This is considered to be the core function of a network operating system. One of a provider's main capabilities is that of redirecting a local disk identifier—such as E:—to a disk directory located on a remote computer. Providers must also be able to service UNC connection requests. In Windows, network providers do this by exposing a redirector to the operating system.

Windows features a network provider named Client for Microsoft Networks, formally known as the Microsoft Networking Provider (MSNP). The MSNP enables communications among Windows NT 4, Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows CE. Windows CE, however, does not have support for multiple network providers and provides only built-in client-side support for the MSNP.