Display article   Subject:  Entry Level Peer-to-Peer Network Operating Systems
   04/30/97   19:05:29


ENTRY LEVEL PEER-TO-PEER NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEMS

These two industry-leading peer-to-peer network operating systems
are now available through all Radio Shack stores:

901-1909     NetWare Lite v1.0  (Novell, Inc.)
250-4220     LANtastic AI v4.0  (Artisoft)

Peer-to-peer networking is gaining popularity as a low cost
alternative for small businesses and workgroups, providing
resource and peripheral sharing at a fraction of the cost of
traditional server-based networks.  There are a number of
peer-to-peer network operating systems on the market today and
new products appear on a regular basis.  How do you sort it all
out? Easy! We now have, without a doubt, the two leading
solutions from the two top names in the business.

What Is A Peer-To-Peer Network Operating System?

A peer-to-peer network operating system does not require a
dedicated file server.  Any computer on the network can be a
server or a workstation.  In addition, unlike traditional
server-based networks, the disk drives and peripherals connected
to each computer on the network can be accessed by other network
nodes.  In a traditional server-based network, only the server
drives and peripherals can be accessed from the connected nodes.

What Are The Advantages Of A Peer-To-Peer Network?

 - Low Cost Implementation
 - Ease of Installation and Maintenance
 - Lower System Requirements

What's the Difference Between a Peer-To-Peer Network and a
Server-Based Network?

Peer-to-peer networks should be utilized:

 - As an entry level solution
 - For workgroups from two to ten computers
 - When peripheral sharing, file sharing and communication
   within the workgroup are the primary needs

Do not use a peer-to-peer network solution in:

 - An environment that is planning future expansion beyond the
   capabilities of the peer-to-peer network solution
 - Server-based application environments (e.g., multiuser
   accounting and database applications)
 - Environments requiring LAN-to-LAN and LAN-to-mainframe
   communications

LANtastic AI v4.0  (25-4220  $99.95)

LANtastic AI (Adapter Independent) is the award-winning
peer-to-peer network operating system from Artisoft.

This product is sold on a "per node" basis, requiring one
software package for each computer on the network.  It supports
all network adapters in the current Radio Shack product line.
The product is packaged with dual media (one 3 1/2" and one
5 1/4" low capacity diskette), User's Manual, Reference Manual
and Owner Registration Card.  Replacement media is available
through Tandy Software Assembly, Warranty Exchange.

Minimum System Requirements

 - PC XT or AT with one floppy drive
 - 512K RAM
 - MS-DOS 3.30 or greater
 - Network adapter and cable

Network Adapters Supported

 - 26-5505 Tandy Ethernet
 - 26-5506 Tandy Ethernet Plus-16
 - 26-5507 Tandy Ethernet Plus-16 TP
 - 26-6505 Tandy ARCNET
 - 90-2473 Thomas Conrad 16-Bit ARCNET
 - 26-5501 TandyLink
 - 26-5502 TandyLink Plus

Features

 - Smallest RAM overhead of any network operating system (less
   than 40K in a server and 12K in a workstation)
 - Easy installation and configuration options
 - Multiple levels of security
 - Electronic mail with Chat and pop-up notification
 - CD-ROM support as shared resource

NetWare Lite v1.0  (901-1909  $99.00)

NetWare Lite is an inexpensive peer-to-peer network operating
system that allows you to set up a network and begin sharing
PC resources such as applications, files and printers in minutes.

This product is sold on a "per node" basis, requiring one
software package for each computer on the network.  It supports
all network adapters (excluding TandyLink adapters) in the
current Radio Shack product line.  The product is packaged with
3 1/2" media (low capacity) and a Reference Guide.

Minimum System Requirements

 - PC XT or AT with one floppy drive
 - 512K RAM
 - MS-DOS 3.30 or greater
 - Network adapter and cable

Network Adapters Supported

 - 26-5505 Tandy  Ethernet
 - 26-5506 Tandy  Ethernet Plus-16
 - 26-5507 Tandy  Ethernet Plus-16 TP
 - 26-6505 Tandy  ARCNET

Features

 - Low RAM overhead requirements (less than 50K in a server and
   25K in a workstation)
 - Easy installation and configuration options with clear
   on-screen help
 - Interoperability with Novell's server-based network products
 - Message transmission for interoffice communication
 - Security system with passwords and user privileges
