Client-server interaction
The NetWare shell facilitates client-server communication for
DOS-based workstations.
In a typical client-server interaction,
one station (the client) requests services from another station
(the server).
Through the shell, DOS-based applications can
request file services (such as writing to and reading from files)
from NetWare file servers.
At the workstation, the shell, the
user application, and the user together act as the client
requesting file services; the NetWare file server acts as the
server providing file services.
The shell is the link between the client (the user
application) and the server.
It performs the tasks
necessary to request file services from a NetWare file server;
for example, establishing a connection with the file server,
maintaining the connection, and terminating the connection.
Two programs must be run on the client for it to communicate with the server - NETx.COM and one of two IPX protocol drivers: