LM_NET: Library Media Networking

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Mark,
   If you're already familiar with Macintosh's operating system (you said
you've run small LocalTalk networks), I'd recommend you go ahead and
install a Macintosh fileserver.  I'd also recommend you consider running
Novell NetWare as your network operating system; I'm almost certain
Novell has a version of NetWare available for Macintosh.
   Although NetWare is a whole order of magnitude more complex and
sophisticated than LocalTalk, its interfac--running on a Mac--will
already be familiar to you.  And Novell is still the most widely-used
LAN operating system around.
   If the large majority of your workstations will be Macs, then their
working with a Mac fileserver will be straightforward.  That Mac
fileserver will also be fully capable of serving up files to DOS(/Windows)
machines, although if the DOS machines are going to _run_ programs they
get from the fileserver, those programs will have to be DOS(/Windows)
programs.  But I'd guess that for many of your applications, you'll be
able to find DOS/Windows versions of the same apps you install for Mac;
for example, Microsoft Word is available for both Mac and Windows, and
many library automation programs are now becoming available in both
"flavors" (they both share a common database of book and patron
records).  One more possibility (which I'm not sure--but I
assume--exists) is to get a Macintosh emulation program to run on your
DOS machines, which will allow them to run native-Mac applications
(albeit somewhat more slowly than those same apps run on a Mac).  SoftPC
is an emulation program that does the reverse--runs DOS (/Windows?)
programs on a Mac.  Perhaps the same company that offers SoftPC also
offers (or could refer you to a company who offers) a Mac-emulation
program for DOS.
   Apple is now selling PowerPC machines which--so they say--will also
run DOS and Windows; IBM is close on their heels with its own PowerPC
machines.  You should talk to Apple and IBM about how PowerPC
workstations might fit into your scenario.
   You might also message Gail Richmond, at Scripps Ranch High School, in
my district (San Diego City Schools).  They're already doing what you're
talking about:  running a school-wide network which includes both DOS and
Mac workstations (about 300 of 'em!).  Their fileservers, however, are DOS
machines running Novell NetWare--maybe there's a reason for that.  Her
address is grichmo@ctp.org.

        Steve Grant, Library Media Teacher
        La Jolla High School (619) 454-3081 x228
        sgrant@ctp.org

On Sat, 5 Mar 1994, Mark W Gordon wrote:

> developments.  We are dreaming of creating a schoolwide LAN with a server
> housed in the Library.  My question. If I want this LAN to connect mostly
> Macintoshes, with a few DOS computers here and there, what problems can I
> anticipate?  Would there be any problems with the server being a Mac?
> Can the network be administered on a Mac?   Finally, can you suggest
> solid sources of information that would help me evaluate the pros and
> cons of the possibilities I must choose among?  I have run little
> Localtalk networks, and understand how they work very well. It is the
> world of ethernet that seems more challenging.
>
> Mark W. Gordon
> Librarian, Oceana High School
> Coalition of Essential Schools
> 401 Paloma Avenue
> Pacifica, CA 94044
> mgordon@ctp.org
>


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