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User's Guide for DOS and OS/2

Chapter 1 - Overview of VINES Network Concepts

What Is a VINES Network?

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)

Main Components of a VINES Network

Local Area Network (LAN) connections
Software services
Communications options
Hardware resources

Local Area Network Connections

Figure 1-1. Simple VINES Network

Software Services

Share files
Share printers
Use Intelligent Messaging Mail and other VINES programs

Communications Options

Hardware Resources

Printers
Workstations
Other computers
Other servers

Organization of a VINES Network

Figure 1-2. Example VINES Network

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.

Using Your Workstation on a VINES Network

Windows Workstations

OS/2 Workstations

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

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