Selecting the Right Client Services

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Once Windows 2000 Server and the network are configured to access NetWare-based resources, the most important decision is the choice of client services. You can choose to install client services for each network client, or you can simplify things by installing GSNW. Tables 20-1 and 20-2 list some conditions that may exist on your network and the best choice for service or client in each case. The reality is that you'll undoubtedly have to opt for a less-than-perfect choice, but these tables can provide a starting point.

Table 20-1. Choosing between client services and gateway services

Scenario	Gateway Service	Client Service
Users' home directories are located on the NetWare server.	X
Users' home directories are located on the Windows 2000 Server.		X
Applications are located on the Windows 2000 Server.		X
Applications are located on a NetWare server, and they are used by all users.		X
Applications are located on a NetWare server, but their access is restricted to certain groups.	X
Users need access only to NetWare-based printers.		X
Users need access to files on a NetWare server that are shared among large numbers of users.		X
Users need access to files on a NetWare server that are restricted to a user or group.	X
Users are more comfortable using utilities and commands of NetWare than of Windows 2000 Server.	X
Users are more familiar with utilities and commands of Windows 2000 Server than with NetWare.		X

Table 20-2. Choosing between Novell and Microsoft clients

Scenario	Novell Client	Microsoft Client
The client is running on a non-Intel (i.e., alpha) platform.		X
Legacy NetWare-based applications are required.	X
Windows 95/98 peer-to-peer sharing services are used on your network.		X
Microsoft FPNW are used on your network.		X
The client has limited resources (i.e., hard disk space and memory).		X