Overview of Windows 98 on Other Third-Party Networks

In addition to its support for Novell’s network clients, Windows 98 includes built-in support for 32-bit, protected-mode clients and for several types of 16-bit, real-mode network clients.

Tip for Using Protected-Mode Network Clients from Other Vendors

The network provider interface defines a set of APIs used by Windows 98 to access the network for actions, such as logging on to the server, browsing and connecting to servers, and so on. Microsoft has made this set of APIs widely available to network vendors so that they can develop new protected-mode network providers that are compatible with Windows 98.

For example, Windows 98 can support Microsoft networks, Novell NetWare, and Banyan VINES 32-bit connectivity at the same time through Network Neighborhood.

Multiple network support in Windows 98 consists of the following components:

Win32 WinNet API.
Multiple provider router and service provider interface.
Network providers, including the WinNet16 interface, as described in "Using Real-Mode WinNet16 Drivers" later in this chapter.

This section describes how to install and configure Windows 98 on third-party networks other than Novell NetWare. It discusses the following network software:

Artisoft LANtastic version 7.0 (client and server).
Banyan Enterprise Client version 7.32 and later.
Banyan VINES version 7.1 and later (a 16-bit, real-mode client).
Digital PATHWORKS 32 client.
IBM Networks Client for Windows 95.
Solstice NFS Client version 3.1 and later.

It also includes information about host (that is, mainframe) connectivity for Windows 98.

For information about the system components that provide multiple network support, see Chapter 29, "Windows 98 Network Architecture." For information about networking printing and support for printing when using a 16-bit network client, see Chapter 11, "Printing, Imaging, and Fonts."