Network Startup Kit

Although Windows based PCs and MACs are capable of having several applications open at one time, they are not suited to be network servers because they require the entire system to be dedicated to running the server software. For this reason, we chose not to include server software.

Ideally, a multitasking system, such as a Sun workstation (from Sun Microsystems) or a 386 AT running a flavor of UNIX (a registered trademark from Bell Labs) operating system, is better equipped to serve as a multifunction server. Although the public domain server software, including NFS (Network File System, a registered trademark from SUN Microsystems) for multitasking systems, is available on the Internet, we chose not to include it due to the fact that they are always in source code form. This requires a system manager who can edit, compile, debug and configure the software, task which is usually beyond the ordinary network user.

Users Assumed Knowledge

Users of this Beginner's Guide are assumed to have some experience in installing controller boards on PCs or MACs and their drivers (software that handles the boards), and to have some familiarity with the respective Operating Systems, be it DOS, Microsoft Windows or Mac OS. No other technological knowledge or training in networks is required.

Terminology

For future reference, we have included a comprehensive network glossary, Appendix A located at the end of this documentation. However, the terms that follow will be used frequently throughout the remainder of this Guide. Users should be completely familiar with them.

Bus

Ethernet -> a local area network using the CSMA/CD protocol to ensure data units known as packets are transmitted and received among stations on the bus. Three IEEE Ethernet medium standards considered are:

10 Base-5 (Thick or Thickwire Ethernet),
10 Base-2 (Thin or Thinwire Ethernet, or called cheapernet),
10 Base-T (UTP, Unshielded Twisted Pair).

Transceiver

NIC -> Network Interface Card (same NIU) or Network Information Center, depending on depending on the context .

NIU -> Network Interface Unit is the interface board or card you insert into your computer to access a network. You must specify the IEEE medium standard you wish to use when you order NIUs. Most NIUs come with two or even three types of media connectors. (e.g., 10Base-5, 10Base-2, or 10Base-T)

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