Networking Windows NT Workstation and Windows 95

When determining ideal client configurations for a mixed environment of Windows NT Workstation and Windows 95, consider what types of networks these systems will need to support. Both Windows NT Workstation and Windows 95 provide network and protocol support for the following:

The networking implementation for Windows 95 is slightly different than that for Windows NT Workstation. In order to support all Microsoft networking products that use the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, install the Client for Microsoft Networks redirector (Vredir.vxd). This allows Windows 95 computers to connect to computers running any of the following networking software:

Refer to Chapter 1, "Decide on the Preferred Client Configuration" for more information on network protocol support and configuration.

Network Connections

In Windows NT Workstation, a user can always connect to any network resource he or she has permission to access. If the current logon session is for a different account, the user can fill in his or her domain name and username in the Connect As text box in the Connect Network Drive dialog box.

In Windows 95, this "connect as" feature is not available. To connect to a network resource from Windows 95, the user must log on with an account that has access to that resource.

In either operating system, the net view command can also be used to map a network drive. For syntax and usage, use the net help command.

Persistent Connections

In Windows NT Workstation, persistent network connections are enabled by default. To disable persistent connections, clear the "Reconnect at Logon" checkbox in the Connect Network Drive dialog box.

In Windows 95, Quick Logon is enabled by default. This network logon option restores the mapping of drive letters to network resources, without actually establishing a session for each persistent network connection. If you want to establish sessions for persistent connections during logon, you can enable Logon and Restore Network Connections. For information on how to do so, see chapter 8, "Windows 95 on Microsoft Networks," of the Windows 95 Resource Kit.

For persistent connections from Windows 95, select the "Reconnect at logon" checkbox.

Resource Sharing

Windows NT operating systems allow users to set security permissions on directories, individual files, printers, and other resources. Windows 95 does not support security on individual files.

Before a user can share a resource on a computer running Windows 95, the computer must be configured for share-level or user-level security. Also, File and Printer Sharing services must be installed, using the Network option in Control Panel. The Printers dialog box is used to set access rights to printers in a similar manner.

For computers to share resources such as printers, volumes, CD-ROM drives, and directories, all the computers must be running a common protocol.