Planning for Microsoft Networking

Microsoft recommends using the 32-bit, protected-mode networking components wherever possible. With protected-mode networking components, all configuration settings are stored in the registry, so you do not have to maintain configuration files such as Autoexec.bat, Protocol.ini, or Net.cfg. The protected-mode networking components also allow you to take advantage of such related benefits as:

• Performance and reliability.
• Peer resource sharing capabilities.
• Use of system policies for administrative control, remote administration of the registry, and use of network agents such as the Simply Network Management Protocol (SNMP) agent included on the Windows 98 Resource Kit compact disc.

If you must run a real-mode client, networking settings are required in Autoexec.bat, and a Netstart.bat file might be required to start the network during system startup. Configuration settings are maintained in Protocol.ini or a similar file, depending on the particular network.

If you are upgrading from a real-mode network client, in most cases Windows 98 Setup retains your original network configuration. When Setup detects existing network components, it installs the appropriate supporting software automatically and moves the configuration settings to the registry, wherever possible.