Using the Novell Client

You can choose between one of two NetWare Directory Services (NDS) clients for a Windows XP computer. The Microsoft version of this client comes as part of the Windows XP package. You need to download the Novell version of the client (I’ll tell you where in the “Installing the Client” section of this chapter). You must install the NetWare client if your server uses IP instead of IPX. The Microsoft client supports only IPX.

What are the differences between the two NDS clients? Microsoft’s client is very lean. It consumes very few system resources when compared to the Novell offering, but it doesn’t offer many of the features you need, either. For example, the “Using Explorer with the Novell Client” section of this chapter explains that the Novell client modifies the way Explorer works. It permits you to view and assign user rights to directories and files (provided you have the proper rights).