Resource Kit Compact Disc

The compact disc (CD) that accompanies the Windows NT Resource Kit contains utilities that apply to information in the Windows NT Resource Guide, the Windows NT Networking Guide, and now also the Windows NT Update 1 book. This CD includes a collection of information resources, tools, and utilities that can make networking and working with Windows NT even easier. The Windows NT Messages database and the utilities that apply to information in the Optimizing Windows NT book are also included on the Windows NT Resource Kit CD.

A complete list of all the tools in the Windows NT Resource Kit, and instructions on how to install them, is available on the CD in the README.WRI file. Instructions on how to use them are provided in the RKTOOLS.HLP file.

The Windows NT Resource Kit CD includes tools that fall under the following major categories. Many of the tools that were included in version 3.5 are described in the "Introduction" section of the Windows NT Resource Guide. A few of the new or significantly updated tools for version 3.51 are also described here.

Batch Tools

• • Perl 5 is a scripting language ported from UNIX® to Windows NT Workstation and Windows NT Server. Perl 5 combines some of the features of C, sed, awk, and shell. This version of Perl 5 also enables you to work with the Registry and event logs, and can act as an OLE automation controller.
• • Regina REXX is a full-batch scripting language with Registry access, event log functions, and OLE automation support.

Computer Administration/Configuration Tools

• • The Windows NT C2 Configuration Manager, C2CONFIG.EXE, can be used to compare the current security configuration on your Windows NT Workstation with the C2-level security requirements of the federal government's National Computer Security Center, and then to configure the workstation to conform up to that C2 level.

Computer and Network Setup Tools

• • CPS: Computer Profile Setup enables you to install easily either Windows NT Workstation or Windows NT Server on multiple identical x86-based computers. This release includes support for licensing and several bug fixes.

Computer Diagnostic Tools

• • Crystal Reports Event Log Viewer is a full-feature report writer that allows you to view, sort/filter/group, save, and print Windows NT event logs from one or more computers in a variety of formats.

Desktop Tools

• • The VDESK.EXE tool is a simple desktop switcher that enables a user to maintain multiple desktops on a computer running Windows NT Workstation version 3.51. It also provides a task manager as a replacement for the default Task Manager program that is provided by Program Manager. Users can also log on as another user, such as Administrator.

File Tools

• • File Compress, COMPRESS.EXE, is a command-line utility that can be used to compress one or more files and also to make custom Setup floppy disks.
• • The File Expansion Utility, EXPNDW32.EXE, can be used to expand one or more compressed files from the Windows NT floppy disks or CD. EXPNDW32.EXE is a 32-bit utility that provides a fully graphical interface for easy use. This release includes several bug fixes.

Internet and TCP/IP Services/Tools

• • Mail Server is a Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP) and Post Office Protocol (POP) server for Windows NT. The intermediate files and mailboxes are all spooled securely (when using the NTFS file system) on the computer running Windows NT Server and are accessed through any POP-compliant public domain (PD) or commercial clients.
• • The Domain Name Server (DNS) Service is the Windows NT implementation of a protocol and system used throughout the Internet. This version has been substantially updated and is now a beta-quality product. A .TXT file containing Release Notes of potential problem areas has also been included.

Network Diagnostic Tools

• • The performance monitor MIB Builder Tool, Perf2MIB, enables developers to create new ASN.1 syntax MIBs for their applications, services, or devices that use Performance Monitor counters. Administrators can then track performance of these components using any system-management program that supports SNMP. The tool also creates a .MIB file that can be used by an SNMP-based management console to perform SNMP requests for the performance data in question.
• • Net Watcher, NETWATCH.EXE, shows what users are connected to shared directories. It has been enhanced for this release and can now simultaneously monitor multiple computers.

Registry Tools

• • The Windows NT Registry Entries online Help file, REGENTRY.HLP, has been updated for this version. The corresponding chapter in the Windows NT Resource Guide has not been updated.

Server/Network Administration Tools

• • DHCP Relay Agent enables your computer to receive and forward Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP), messages from and to internet protocol (IP) interfaces across non-BootP routers, which allows companies to save money by not having to upgrade their routers that don't support BootP.

Tools for Developers

• • Twenty-one POSIX utilities have been recompiled to operate on Windows NT Workstation and Windows NT Server version 3.51.

User Account Administration Tools

• • Profile Control Panel, PROFILE.CPL, gives you an easy way to control a floating user profile, which allows you to log on to multiple Windows NT computers and use your own settings.