Configuring clients to access servers

Many clients can be used on modern networks, and a network administrator must be prepared to manage and support client connectivity in a multiplatform network environment. Learning how to connect the various clients to the major network operating systems used today is a hands-on task. To prepare you for the inevitable, the following sections provide an overview of the various client operating systems and what is required to connect them to common network operating systems.

Configuring Microsoft Windows clients

The most widely used of all client platforms is Microsoft Windows. Configuring Microsoft Windows clients for server connectivity depends on which version of Windows you are using and to what server you want to connect. Versions of Windows, such as 98 and Me, require that client software be installed in order to connect to a Windows Server platform. Products such as Windows 2000 Professional assume that a connection to a server will be forthcoming and therefore install the client software automatically.