N

name resolution

The DNS process of mapping a domain name to its IP address.

namespace

Any bounded area in which a given name can be resolved.

native mode

In a native-mode organization, only Exchange Server 2003 or Exchange 2000 Server is running, and the full Exchange Server 2003 functionality is present.

nbtstat

A command-line utility that is used to resolve NetBIOS names to IP addresses.

Network Load Balancing

A service that is installed as a network interface driver on all participating members and that uses a mathematical algorithm to equally distribute incoming request to all members of NLB cluster. Incoming client requests are assigned to cluster members based on their current loading level but can be modified through the use of filtering and affinity for applications that require session state data to be maintained , such as an e-commerce application that uses cookies to place items in a shopping cart for purchase.

Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP)

An Internet protocol used to transfer newsgroup information between newsgroup servers and clients (newsreaders) and between newsgroup servers.

NetDiag

A command-line utility that is used to troubleshoot and isolate network connectivity problems by performing a number of tests to determine the exact state of a server.

netstat

A command-line utility that is used to display TCP/IP connection information and protocol statistics for a computer.

newsfeed

The newsgroup data that is sent from one newsgroup server to other newsgroup servers.

NNTP

See Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP).

node

In a Microsoft Management Console window, a node is any object that can be configured. In clustering, a node is one of the computers that is part of a cluster.

normal backup

During this backup, all selected files are backed up, regardless of how their archive bit is set. After the backup, the archive bit is set to off for all files, indicating that those files have been backed up.

notification

Defines the event that is triggered when a service or resource being watched by a server or link monitor fails. Notifications can send e-mail and alerts and even run custom scripts.

Novell GroupWise Connector

An Exchange Server 2003 connector that allows the exchange of messages and the synchronization of directories between an Exchange organization and a Novell GroupWise organization.

nslookup

A command-line utility that can be used to gather information about the DNS infrastructure inside and outside an organization and troubleshoot DNS- related problems.