What does it do?
Netware 3.x and 4.x are dedicated 32-bit operating systems. This means that the operating system is designed and optimized to provide file and print services, rather than general purpose processing. To enable the execution of additional applications, Netware provides for the loading of NLMs (Netware loadable modules).

Netware 3.x manages users on a per-server basis. Users log into a specific server, and have no access to other servers in the network unless they attach and log in to the other servers. Netware 3.x servers keep user data in a set of files called a bindery. In Netware 4.x, a new feature, called NDS (Netware directory services) allows users to log in to an enterprise-wide structure, which may include multiple servers and LANs. The users position in this structure is called their context. NDS exists as a database, that can be replicated on various servers, and divided into partitions to provide redundancy. NDS represents users, servers, printers and other network resources as graphical objects or icons. For ease of administration both versions of Netware allow for the creation of groups, which are lists of users that can all be granted access to network resources at the same time.

Netware file services include the ability to assign or restrict rights to file directories and files for both users and groups. Rights assigned at the top of a directory structure flow down to the subdirectories below, unless blocked by a mask.

Netware can provide support for DOS, OS/2, Macintosh, and Unixware clients, and handles their different file systems through a process called name space support, which allows for file name conventions other than the standard DOS format.

Netware is designed to run on a proprietary protocol called IPX /SPX . However, Novell has developed an open protocol interface called ODI that allows for the simultaneous handling of multiple protocols on the same network adapter. See the protocol section of this guide for more information.

How is it used?
Netware is basically used to provide file and print services, with additional services available through the addition of NLMs. The 3.x versions of Netware are best-suited to the departmental LAN, since user authorization is granted on a per-server basis, although many users have multi-LAN 3.x environments. Netware 4.x is designed to provide an enterprise-wide user authorization scheme, and is thus better suited to larger, multi-site, multiple server networks. Because of Netwares market share, there is extensive third-party support for Netware LANs, making it a good choice as a general purpose PC-LAN operating system.

Where do I get more information?
Contact your local CBV Office.