User's Guide for DOS and OS/2
Chapter 1 - Overview of VINES Network Concepts
Your VINES network lets you use your DOS or OS/2® workstation to access and share many computing resources.
This chapter provides an overview of VINES network concepts and introduces many of the features and functions described in later chapters.
VINES networking software provides you with a powerful network and resource management system. It links office workstations running DOS and OS/2, Macintosh, and UNIX computers together so that you can share resources with many users.
Note: Native VINES supports Macintosh workstations.
With a VINES network, you can use your workstation to:
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Share applications and files with other users ![]()
Share printers ![]()
Send messages to other users ![]()
Log in to host computers, such as mainframes and mini-computers, and use the resources available there ![]()
Access outside information services, such as CompuServe or the World Wide Web (www)
A VINES network consists of many hardware and software components. The main components are explained in the next section.
Main Components of a VINES Network
At the heart of every VINES network is a server. A server is a computer that manages the network and all its resources. VINES networks can have anywhere from one to hundreds of servers connected together.
A VINES server supports and manages these key features:
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Local Area Network (LAN) connections ![]()
Software services ![]()
Communications options ![]()
Hardware resources
The next sections describe these components in more detail.
Local Area Network Connections
A VINES server supports connections to Local Area Networks (LANs). LANs are a convenient and efficient way of connecting groups of workstations to a server. They also can be used to connect two servers. Many different types of LANs can be used in a VINES network.
Figure 1-1 shows the structure of a simple VINES network that you might find in a small company. It shows two LANs connected to the same server. The first LAN is an EtherTalk LAN consisting of a server, four workstations, and a laser printer. The second LAN consists of workstations running DOS and a laser printer connected through a Token-Ring LAN.
Whether your workstation runs DOS or OS/2, VINES software lets you store your files together on the same server. In a company's network, different departments who favor different types of computers are free to choose the computers that work best for them. VINES software lets you share files and other network resources with your colleagues, regardless of the type of computer they might have.
Every VINES server supports software services. Services manage the way workstations operate on the VINES network and how all network resources are used.
VINES services make it possible for you to:
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Share files ![]()
Share printers ![]()
Use Intelligent Messaging Mail and other VINES programs
A VINES server also supports a wide range of communications options. Communications options include connections to host computers, such as mainframes and mini-computers, and connections to public data networks. The communications options make it possible to use your workstation as a terminal connected to different host computers and to access outside information services and databases.
Figure 1-2 shows a VINES server with a connection to a host computer.
Software on the server allows you to access and share many hardware resources. Hardware resources include:
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Printers ![]()
Workstations ![]()
Other computers ![]()
Other servers
The hardware resources shown in Figure 1-2 include servers, workstations, printers, and a host computer.
Organization of a VINES Network
VINES networks vary in size and complexity according to the needs of the people who use them, as shown in Figure 1-2.
Figure 1-2 shows an example of an expanded VINES network. This example highlights three interconnected servers, each one supporting a number of services. Going from top to bottom:
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The first native VINES server supports a connection to a Public Data Network (PDN). ![]()
The second native VINES server supports a group of Macintosh workstations on an Ethernet LAN as well as a connection to a host computer.
The servers are part of a backbone network. In large networks, servers are connected to each other to provide services to workstations connected to different servers. In Figure 1-2, a Macintosh workstation can access the PDN because its server is connected to the server providing that service.
At your site, there can be any number of VINES servers interconnected to form your network system, and any number of LANs connecting workstations to the servers. Your network can have a simple structure as the network shown in Figure 1-1, or an expanded structure, as the one in Figure 1-2.
Using Your Workstation on a VINES Network
The organization and operation of your VINES network is mostly transparent to you as a user. Your system administrator sets up and customizes the network to provide you with easy access to frequently used applications and other useful computing resources.
You will find that using your workstation on the network is very similar to using a stand-alone workstation, except now you have access to many shared resources and useful functions.
If you run Microsoft Windows, refer to the VINES User's Guide for Windows, a companion guide to this user's guide. It is written for VINES users who run Windows and focuses on connecting to network drives, printing, and managing network messages.
VINES software provides the following support for your OS/2 workstation:
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VINES network features combined with the multi-tasking features of the OS/2 operating system ![]()
File sharing between DOS, Windows, Macintosh, and OS/2 workstations ![]()
The VINES Messages application, a Presentation Manager® -based program that lets you view and send network messages ![]()
The OS/2 Print Manager and standard VINES print services, including PCPRINT
Role of Your System Administrator
The system administrator is responsible for setting up and managing the network. Your system administrator must be familiar with the organization and operation of your company, and understand how to group people and resources together efficiently.
The system administrator installs the services you use, customizes certain menus and applications to meet your needs, and implements security features.
If you need assistance while using the network, ask your system administrator. You should always try first, however, to find answers in this guide and others, and from the on-screen help facilities.
For more information on how to start using your workstation in a VINES network, see Chapter 2.