Simple installations of Windows NT, however, are much less expensive than IntranetWare. UNIX has been around for decades, and as such has a LOT of support from thousands of different vendors. At my office, I use a UNIX-clone, Linux, to provide my Internet connections, administrate my IntranetWare server, share files and printers with my Windows 95 and NT computers, and provide internal and external email for all users. Compared to a car, UNIX can be anything from a Ford Escort to a Lamborghini Countach. Computer networks offer functionality that make them well worth the price and time investment.
Many different options exist, and most of the different systems offer most of the required services.
When properly implemented, networks provide functionality and resources that far surpass those of stand-alone computers. J oseph Cheek is a network professional that has been involved with computers for 15 years. He has been published in national and international magazines, and currently spends his time working for his computer network consulting business, Cheek Consulting .