A conventional network consists of file servers and workstations. File Servers manage shared data and resources - files, programs and printers. The workstations are used to access and share these resources. To facilitate a workstation’s access to network resources, it needs software installed that allows the workstation’s operating system to access network resources. This is known as a network client.
Microsoft and Novell have their own client software, so a mixed Novell and Microsoft network must have both network clients installed on the workstation. For someone new to network clients, I would recommend the Microsoft Client This tends to be a little less complicated than the Novell Client due to the relatively small number of Directory Services in Microsoft networks.
Client software can be used to support a variety of network functions: e.g. logging in to the network, printing, allocating drive letters to network folders, sending messages, enabling software to be distributed from a server to the workstation and sending messages to other clients on the network.
