Client software for Microsoft networks on Windows 95/98/Me

The Client for Microsoft Networks can be installed on a Windows 95/98/Me system to facilitate connection to a Windows Server platform such as Windows NT 4 Server or Windows 2000 Server. The client is included on the workstation operating system distribution CD and is installed through the Network dialog box, which can be accessed through the Network Control Panel or a variety of other methods.

No information is needed to install the client software, but to configure it, you must open the Client for Microsoft Networks Properties, check the Log on to Windows NT Domain box, and specify the domain name.

After you change these settings, you need to set the primary network logon to the type of client you are using-in this case the Client for Microsoft Networks.

Active Directory Client Software

Some client platforms, including Windows 95 and 98, require an additional client in order to take advantage of Microsoft's Active Directory system. Active Directory client software can be found in the Clients folder on the Windows 2000 Server CD. All Windows 2000 products have Active Directory enabled natively.

Client software for Microsoft networks on a Windows NT/2000 system

Because networking functionality is built in to Windows NT/2000, you do not need to add extra client software. However, you must still configure the domain to which the system is supposed to authenticate. Before you can "join" a domain, you must first create an account for the system, or the computer must be joined to the domain with a user account that is able to create a computer account automatically.