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Administering SCO IPX/SPX

Client-server interaction

The NetWare shell facilitates client-server communication for DOS-based workstations. In a typical client-server interaction, one station (the client) requests services from another station (the server). Through the shell, DOS-based applications can request file services (such as writing to and reading from files) from NetWare file servers. At the workstation, the shell, the user application, and the user together act as the client requesting file services; the NetWare file server acts as the server providing file services.

The shell is the link between the client (the user application) and the server. It performs the tasks necessary to request file services from a NetWare file server; for example, establishing a connection with the file server, maintaining the connection, and terminating the connection.

Two programs must be run on the client for it to communicate with the server - NETx.COM and one of two IPX protocol drivers:


NETx.COM
The NetWare shell (where x indicates the version of DOS being run). It is a terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) program that is loaded into the memory of a NetWare workstation when the system is booted.

IPX.COM
A driver for the IPX protocol. It must be loaded before the NetWare shell. IPX.COM is generally used with NetWare 2.x and 3.x systems and is obsolescent. Wherever possible, IPXODI.COM should be used in its place.

IPXODI.COM
A driver for the IPX protocol. It must be loaded before the NetWare shell. IPXODI.COM is the preferred solution for NetWare 3.x and 4.x systems and is compatible with SCO IPX/SPX.
For information on loading these three TSRs, see the Novell documentation.
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© 2003 Caldera International, Inc. All rights reserved.
SCO OpenServer Release 5.0.7 -- 11 February 2003