March 10th 1997 Mirror Sites ![]() Download the Software Network Card Drivers ![]() Features User's Guide Help ![]() Search Distribution Rights Listserv Shareware Links ![]() Order the Software Help Us Promote NetSoft LAN Dealer Enquires Welcome Home Page | http://www.netsoft.ie/ CHAPTER 1 Getting StartedBefore you install NetSoft LANSystem requirementsNetSoft LAN was designed to work an any PC compatible computer, so even if you have an old IBM PC with only 256k of memory and a single floppy drive, NetSoft LAN will still work. NetSoft LAN works on all 8088/286/386/486, or Pentium-based systems.DOS versionsDOS-NET requires that you use Microsoft MS-DOS or IBM PC-DOS versions 3.1 or higher. You may mix different DOS versions on the network.Some DOS versions are not called by the name of MS-DOS, for example, Compaq DOS or Toshiba MS-DOS. These DOS's are in reality MS-DOS, but are sold under an OEM name. You should have no difficulty mixing these OEM DOS versions on the network. Your CONFIG.SYS fileNetSoft LAN does not change any of your CONFIG.SYS file parameters. You may be required to change some of the standard settings such as FILES= or LASTDRIVE= parameters to improve network performance or flexibility.Some network driver standards such as Microsoft/3COM NDIS standard may require drivers to be loaded from your CONFIG.SYS file. These standards are explained in Chapter 10 "NETWORK HARDWARE DRIVERS". Your network hardware's manual may also include additional information, please read that manual before you install NetSoft LAN. Your AUTOEXEC.BAT fileNetSoft LAN does not change your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. It does create a file called NETSTART.BAT which is a simple batch file that loads your network configuration. If you desire, you may include NETSTART.BAT in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file so that the network loads automatically each time you power-on your computer.If you decide to include the NETSTART.BAT file in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file you should use the CALL batch file statement. This should be done after any other system software such as SMARTDRV.EXE and SHARE.EXE, and before any other software, e.g. Example AUTOEXEC.BAT File SMARTDRV.EXE 512 256 \DOS\SHARE.EXE CALL \DOSNET\NETSTART.BAT (load other software here) PROMPT $P$G You can edit your CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT using a standard text editor such as EDLIN, (or EDIT if you have DOS 5 or higher). The READ.ME fileOn the Netsoft LAN Disk 1 there is a READ.ME file, you should read this file using the DOS TYPE command as shown below:type a:read.me This file contains either important information, or information that may not be in this User's Guide. How to Install NetSoft LANThere are two ways you can install NetSoft LAN, a) you can use the NETSETUP program and b) you can select the individual modules you wish to load and load them from the DOS command line.It is recommended that first time users of NetSoft LAN use the NETSETUP.EXE program. After completion of the installation process, you can look at the NETSTART.BAT batch file and add or delete modules as you wish. NetSoft LAN consists mainly of a collection of Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) programs. For a minimum configuration, you need only load two of these TSR programs. The first of these is your basic configuration, either CLIENT.COM, SERVER.COM, or DOSNET.COM. The second will be the driver that controls your network card, for example, ETHERNET.COM. After the basic configuration has loaded, you can load the other modules or drivers in any order you wish. This may be useful, as advanced users will be able to utilise upper-memory or high-memory more efficiently. In addition, all configuration parameters are stored in a text file called DOSNET.INI located in your network directory. All of the DOSNET.INI file parameters are explained in detail in Chapter 17, "THE DOSNET.INI CONFIGURATION FILE". USEFUL TIP When installing NetSoft LAN, set-up two machines to begin with. Test them to make sure everything is working correctly, then add any other machines, testing each one as you go. This procedure will save a lot of time. In addition, things you learn by setting up the first two machines will apply to additional machines. Automatic InstallationTo configure NetSoft LAN automatically, you must run the NETSETUP program from the DOS command line. This procedure allows easy installation of the NetSoft LAN network system.Running the network set-up program1. Insert NetSoft LAN disk 1 in drive A:, and then type the following at the DOS command line:a:netsetup 2. Follow the instructions on your screen. The NETSETUP program creates a directory called \DOSNET on your hard disk, and copies the network files into that directory, then allows you to configure each machine on the network. Starting the networkOnce installation is complete, you can start the network by typing the following from your hard disk DOS command line:cd\dosnet netstart If you have installed NetSoft LAN on a floppy disk-based system instead of a hard disk-based system, type the following to load the network. a: netstart NOTE The command NETSTART should not be confused with the NET START command. Some networks use the NET START command to load the network. NetSoft LAN uses a batch file command called NETSTART.BAT. If you CALL the NETSTART.BAT command from your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, you can stop the network from loading by pressing CTRL+ALT keys together, until your system has completed its boot-sequence. If you do stop the network from loading, the following message will be displayed as each network module tries to load: DOS-NET Load Bypass: program name [Table of Contents] [Home Page] | |
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