What is NetWare? Easy-to-understand explanation of basic network management concepts
NetWare is a network operating system (NOS) developed by Novell, Inc. in the early 1980s. It was specifically designed to provide network services and management capabilities for local area networks (LANs). NetWare played a significant role in the development and adoption of client-server computing, offering a reliable and scalable platform for connecting and managing networked resources.
At its core, NetWare enables the sharing of resources, such as files, printers, and applications, across multiple computers connected to a network. It provides a centralized directory service, which allows for secure user authentication and access control. NetWare also includes various networking protocols and services that facilitate seamless communication and data transfer between connected devices.
One of the key features of NetWare is its robust and reliable file system, known as the NetWare File System (NWFS). NWFS offers high-performance file access, data integrity, and fault tolerance, ensuring that critical files are always available and protected against hardware failures.
NetWare introduced the concept of “bindery” for user and resource management. The bindery acts as a centralized database that stores user accounts, group memberships, and access rights. Administrators can easily manage user permissions and network resources through the NetWare bindery.
Another notable aspect of NetWare is its security features. It utilizes a strong access control system that allows administrators to define granular permissions for individual users or groups. NetWare also supports encryption for secure transmission of data over the network.
Over the years, as networking technologies evolved, NetWare underwent various updates and enhancements. Novell introduced NetWare Directory Services (NDS) in later versions, which provided a more scalable and robust directory service, surpassing the limitations of the bindery system.
Despite its significant impact during its prime, NetWare gradually lost its market dominance as other operating systems such as Windows NT and Linux gained popularity. However, its contribution to the development of network management concepts and the client-server model cannot be understated.
In conclusion, NetWare is a network operating system developed by Novell, providing network services, centralized management, and robust file system capabilities. It played a crucial role in the advancement of network management concepts and client-server computing. While its dominance has diminished, its impact on the networking industry remains influential.
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