Networking support is built into Windows 98. The Windows 98 network architecture includes a network provider interface, which defines a set of APIs that Windows 98 uses to access the network for actions, such as connecting to, logging on to, and browsing servers. Microsoft has made this set of APIs widely available to network vendors so that they can develop new protected-mode network providers (drivers for network clients) that are compatible with Windows 98.
Windows 98 includes two protected-mode network clients (Client for Microsoft Networks and Client for NetWare Networks). Windows 98 also includes built-in support for several 16-bit, real-mode network clients; however, in most cases, you also need to use supporting software from the appropriate network vendors. Additionally, the Windows 98 network provider interface enables you to use third-party network clients. Furthermore, because the Windows 98 network architecture supports multiple network providers, you can use multiple network clients on one computer. You can use one 16-bit, real-mode client, and as many 32-bit, protected-mode network clients as you need. Contact your network vendor to obtain a 32-bit, protected-mode network client for your network.
This chapter discusses the following networking software:
Note
See the Network.txt file for a list of clients and servers that Windows 98 does not support.
For information about how to install third-party networks using custom setup scripts, see Chapter 3, "Custom Installations."