From: dseeman@novell.com (Daniel Seeman)
Subject: Re: 3 PC's and 2 MAC's NW 2.2 or 3.11?
Organization: Novell Inc., San Jose, Califonia
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1992 17:43:27 GMT

In article <168489967.T104244@r3vm.dsd.trw.com> T104244@r3vm.dsd.trw.com writes:
>Hi,
>I hope this is not a FAQ, but here goes.
>I have 3 PC's and 2 MAC's that I want to network.
>Does NW 2.2 support MAC's seemlessly?

Hi,

I am not quite sure what you mean by "seemless" Macintosh support on the 2.2
file server. So let me just describe how the support works and you can determine
for yourself whether or not this support is seemless.

In the 2.2 server, in order to support Macintosh clients (and AppleTalk print
services) Value Added Processes (VAPs) must be installed and configured.  These
VAPs will then load as the file server boots.  

As far as the Macintosh client workstation's configuration is concerned,
only the standard operating system (6.0 or above) with AppleShare client
software (again a standard Macintosh OS resource) must be installed.  Once the
client software and the VAPs are installed, the Macintosh will login to the 
2.2 VAP host as if that NW4MAC server were a true AppleShare file server.  If 
this fits your definition of "seemless," then the answer is "yes" NW4MAC 2.2
provides seemless Macintosh support.  

There are a number of considerations to be made when networking dissimilar 
computing platforms.  I will not list all these considerations here as the list
is largely dependant on a particular user's requirements.  The simplest thing to
remember is that the operating environments of the DOS and Macintosh clients
(from the local operating systems to the communication protocols) are ABSOLUTELY
different.  As long as you understand this, you will be able to realize how to
"map" common functionality from one environment to the other.

>What problems/issues are there with 2.2 and the above setup?
>The importance of the server being up all of the time is not a
>big concern and I want to preferably be able to run the server
>non-dedicated and have a voice-mail and fax card running on it (this
>way I only have to leave one machine on 24 hours)...is this possible?
>I understand NW 3.11 can only run dedicated, but with Nw for MAC is the
>MAC connectivity more seemless...what are the pro's and cons of MAC support
>on 2.2 vs. 3.11 ...do I need anything extra for 2.2 for MAC support?
>Is NW 2.2 going to be supported in the future? or does NOvell want
>everyone to upgrade to 3.11?
>So basically to sum up I want the best way to:
>Connect 3 PC's and 2 MAC's fairly seemlessly
>Run server non-dedicated if possible w/ fax and voice-mail (in other
>words...only have to leave one machine on)

There are more AppleTalk services (like AppleTalk routing) which are of-
fered by the 3.x NW4MAC product(s). Also you will find increased flexibility 
with 3.x NW4MAC when compared to the 2.x NW4MAC product.  However, it is 
true that 3.x "lives" only on a 3.11 dedicated server. Also, you will find that
3.x is more expensive than 2.x (3.11 is the core operating system, and NW4MAC 
3.x must be purchased seperately while NW4MAC 2.x support is included with the 
2.2 core operating system).  So there are some differences in the two products
to consider.  On thing is for sure, Novell is committed to supporting the 
products which are sold and will continue to fulfill that committment.

I hope this information is complete enough for you.  Let me know if I can
clarify anything for you.

Think Peace...
Novell
Walnut Creek, Ca.