WINDOWS 9x NETWORKING

Windows 9x clients can be part of a workgroup or a domain. A workgroup is typically implemented when a network consists of 10 or fewer computers. A workgroup, otherwise known as a peer-to-peer network, utilizes share-level security (password-protected shares) and does not require the use of high-end server computers. Three components that must be present and properly configured for a computer to operate successfully in a peer-to-peer network are a NIC, a protocol, and the ability to share resources. A domain is implemented when the number of computers exceeds 10. A domain utilizes high-end server computers that hand out or serve resources to users who are authenticated through the use of user-level security.

Computers must have a common language or protocol in order to communicate with one another over a network. Windows 9x provides built-in support for several commonly used protocols. These protocols and their descriptions follow:

TCP/IP: This is the most widely used protocol on the planet. Every computer using the Internet has a unique TCP/IP numeric address. This protocol can be used in a Windows 9x network to share information. If you are currently connected to a network, you can view your own TCP/IP address information in Windows 9x by selecting Start > Run, entering “WINIPCFG” on the Open line, and clicking OK. Your computer’s IP configuration will appear, including the NICs MAC address, IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway.

Note

To display your IP address information in Windows NT, enter “IPCONFIG” in place of “WINIPCFG”.

IPX/SPX: This is a Novell protocol that allows Windows clients to communicate with resources on a Novell network. IPX/SPX and its Windows counterpart, NWLink, can be used to share information in a Windows 9x network.

NetBIOS: Don’t be fooled on the exam—NetBIOS is not used to share printers and files on a network. It is actually an API program that allows computers within a LAN to communicate.

NetBEUI: This is a small, fast, efficient transport protocol that is well suited for small networks. NetBEUI can be utilized to share information in a Windows 9x network.

Connecting a Windows 9x system to a network is a fairly basic task. The first thing to do is navigate to the Network applet located in Control Panel or right-click the Network Neighborhood icon on the Desktop and select Properties. A network configuration window will appear, similar to that shown in Figure 24.10.

Figure 24.10: Network Configuration Window for Windows 9x.

The second step is to install Client for Microsoft Networks. You do this by clicking on the Add radio button and selecting Client from the type of network components you want to install. Click the Add button again, and select Microsoft and Client for Microsoft Networks from the list of manufacturers and network clients. Once the client for Microsoft Networks is installed, highlight it in the network components configuration window, and click Properties. The Client for Microsoft Networks Properties General tab appears, from which you can choose to log on to a Windows NT domain.

Next, you must install any special protocols necessary to communicate and share information with other computers on the network. Remember, if you want to communicate with Novell systems, install IPX/SPX. TCP/IP and NetBEUI are installed by default if you chose to install networking during the Windows Install and Setup routine. These two protocols can be used to communicate with other Windows systems on a network. If you did not install networking when you installed the OS, select the Add button on the Network Configuration window. Highlight Protocol and click the Add button. Select a manufacturer and protocol, and then click OK.

Finally, if you want to share your resources with others, you will need to install the file and print sharing service, and make sure you give access to your resources by selecting the File and Print Sharing button in the Network configuration window.