|
Home > Archive > CNE > May 2001 > A Few Questions
You are viewing an archived Text-only version of the thread.
To view this thread in it's original format and/or if you want to reply to
this thread please [click here]
|
|
| ccieToBe 2001-05-10, 1:49 pm |
| I have a few questions about NetWare and the CNA exam.
1. Right now I have Windows 98 and FreeBSD 4.2 installed on my main PC. I'd like to keep these two on there and install NetWare 5.1. Will NetWare be able to detect the two preexisting OSs and provide the option of entering them at startup, or will I need to get a separate program to do this? If I need a separate program, are there any recommendations?
2. I just bought "Netware 5.1 Administration Student Manual" (published by Novell) for the NetWare Administration class that I'm starting tomorrow. Will this book be enough reading material for the CNA exam? It looks like Clarke has written the most popular CNA book, so I'm considering picking this up as well.
3. How many NetWare servers would be an ideal setup? I have a couple other PCs that could probably run NetWare 5.1, but they're both painfully slow.
4. Before starting the NetWare instalation I'm supposed to create a small FAT16 partition. Could I use the FAT32 partition that Windows is residing on right now? If not, does this FAT16 partition need to be the primary partition? | |
| Freddy 2001-05-10, 1:57 pm |
| As far as running netware on a drive with other software on it, I have never tried that. You may want to use a seperate drive because Netware expands itself to fit the size of the drive after installation.
I have Netware 5.1 running on a test server here in my office. To begin you create a minimum of a 50MB DOS partition, fat 16 only. Then you format that partion and you can install DOS in there if you like or you can start up with a DOS disk. When you start Install.bat, it does the task of formatting the rest of the drive to suit itself. Be advised that you need a lot of memory for 5.1 to run. I have 192 MB and it still gives me out of memory errors.
I'm not familiar with the book you are referencing, I used the Clarke book myself. Make sure you know how to perform the tasks in the book. The test contains free text boxes that you have to type commands into as well as simulators that pop up and you have to perform a task.
Hope this is helpful to you. | |
| ccieToBe 2001-05-10, 4:23 pm |
| Thanks for the info Freddy. It will prove useful. I have an old 10GB IBM that I could use, but I was hoping to throw NetWare into my RAID array to get some more speed out of it. My main PC has 512MB of RAM, so that shouldn't be a problem. The others have 128MB each though.
I've never heard of that book either until today. Tried searching for it on Amazon and wasn't able to find anything. The manager at the bookstore will only sell the book to those who are enrolled in this class, so maybe it's something that Novell only offers to its approved colleges and training centers. | |
| chunder 2001-05-10, 4:36 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by ccieToBe
3. How many NetWare servers would be an ideal setup? I have a couple other PCs that could probably run NetWare 5.1, but they're both painfully slow.
what are the other machines that you say are painfully slow? netware 4.x will run decent on 486s. netware 5.x is a bit more demanding, especially when you run a lot of JAVA based apps on the server. i disable most "add-on" features for both development and production servers. at home i have a p233 with 128MB ram, a 6.4 and a 7.2 GB hd running 5.0. it's not lickity-split but it was enough to push NW5 for my studies and it does fine for my mp3s  . at work my test-bed NW5.1 server is running on a compaq DeskPro p3 500/128MB ram, 10GB hd.
i'd highly recommend installing on a different machine so you can connect to it with your client to do the administration and other things.
load the NLMs that you need to study for long enough to study them if you are having memory/performance issues. especially REM the startx.ncf from the AUTOEXEC.NCF so it won't load every time. then, load it when you need to look at or do stuff with it. i also REM the web/ftp server stuff. we're not using it in production and i don't use it anywhere else either.
HTH. | |
| ccieToBe 2001-05-10, 5:12 pm |
| They're both K6/2s with 128MB of RAM. One's a 266 and the other's a 380. I have full access to the 380, but the 266 is shared, so I'd have to dual boot in order to use it. I know these have a reasonable amount of power, but I've been spoiled by my main PC (Duron 650/512MB RAM/2 30GB Deskstars in a RAID 0 ). I might end up installing NetWare on the 380 if it's fast enough. RAM's gotten so cheap now that if I need another 128MB it's not a big deal. Hmmm, I wonder how much administration I could do from FreeSBD.
I'd deffinately disable the web and FTP services after I learn as much as I need for the exam and class. Not to cut down NetWare or anything, but I would NEVER use anything but Unix/Linux on a www or FTP server. | |
| chunder 2001-05-10, 5:32 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by ccieToBe
They're both K6/2s with 128MB of RAM. One's a 266 and the other's a 380.
DO IT! mine was on a k6 266 oc'ed to 300. it was fine really. i just happened to put the drives into the case with the p233 and didn't want to swap other stuff around.
quote:
Originally posted by ccieToBe
but I've been spoiled by my main PC (Duron 650/512MB RAM/2 30GB Deskstars in a RAID 0
i hear ya. i run a p3 733/512 MB ram, 20.5 and a 8.4 (no raid) win2kpro ws. the 380 should be pretty good for yer server. i've picked up 256 MB ram recently for about $80. that'd REALLY help.
quote:
Originally posted by ccieToBe
Hmmm, I wonder how much administration I could do from FreeSBD.
depends on the status of Console1 and it's availability for *nix OSes (Linux, Solaris, Tru64.
and you could try this... http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/s...gi?/2954445.htm
ps, apache has been ported to NetWare. haven't used it though.
i think you're set.
good luck. | |
| ccieToBe 2001-05-10, 5:58 pm |
| FreeBSD can run most Linux binaries, so I could just use those. It seems like Apache's been ported to everything. Can't wait til I can load it on my graphing calculator 
Thanks for all the help. I'll probably install and play with NetWare some tonight so that I'll have a clue what's going on when I get to class tommarow. | |
| chunder 2001-05-10, 7:31 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by ccieToBe
FreeBSD can run most Linux binaries, so I could just use those..
cool. i need to get into linux again. only started scratching the surface but want to put NDS on my linux box. ccna then win2k upg then linux...
quote:
Originally posted by ccieToBe
It seems like Apache's been ported to everything. Can't wait til I can load it on my graphing calculator
LOL!
quote:
Originally posted by ccieToBe
Thanks for all the help. I'll probably install and play with NetWare some tonight so that I'll have a clue what's going on when I get to class tommarow.
sure thing.. enjoy! | |
|
| 1. Recommend for separate HD
2. White book is very good, clarke is great! Handon with the system even better
3. 1 NW Svr will be good start
4. FAT16
Are you try to install NW on a NT Svr? | |
| ccieToBe 2001-05-11, 5:03 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by Kasor
White book is very good, clarke is great! Handon with the system even better
It's good to hear that someone's heard of this book. I think I should probably go buy Clarke's book (cheaper then taking the exam twice). Hands on will be my main focus.
Are you try to install NW on a NT Svr?
No! I avoid NT like the plauge. I'm actually in the process of replacing it with a FreeBSD box running Samba at work.
Thanks for the info Kasor
I was able to install and play around with NetWare some. It was a lot easier then I expected. So far it looks like the main thing I need to do is review NDS because my weakness on this became apparant during the install.
Chunder, when you get into Linux again, head over to the Linux/Unix forum. We could use some more visitors over there. | |
| Bernie 2001-05-11, 6:49 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by chunder
especially REM the startx.ncf from the AUTOEXEC.NCF so it won't load every time.
Just curious, what does this startx.ncf file do? Can someone summarize RAID for me? | |
| ccieToBe 2001-05-11, 9:00 am |
| I belive that startx.ncf starts xwindow when you start up NetWare. RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive/Independant Disks) is a technology that combines multiple harddrives into one logical harddrive that is larger and/or faster and/or more reliable then any of the origonal hardrives were. For example, my RAID 0 setup combines 2 physical 30BG IDE harddrives into 1 logical 60GB SCSI harddrive. RAID 0 increases performance and capacity, but offers to no redundancy. Compared to either of these harddrives alone:
The transfer speed is doubled
The capacity is doubled
The latency has increased slightly
The chance of a failure is 2x as high since they're running in parallel w/o any redundancy. | |
| Bernie 2001-05-11, 9:22 am |
| Thanks, I know that a RAID lvl5 has the best redunancy but never really understood what it exactly was. I'm going to be setting up a Netware 5.1 network at home sometime soon and will be needing your help. | |
| chunder 2001-05-11, 10:22 am |
| startx does start Xwindows. isn't that what starts it on *nix OSes? anyway...
NDS is a new animal if you haven't done any DEN (directory enabled networking). it's SOOOO nice though, especially when you compare it to NT Domains and the new MS AD structure. the way you can assign/revoke rights is VERY powerful and did i say cool? you'll probably want to look into NDS for *nix later on, too. it looks like you're coming along with it but don't hesitate to holler and i will help you if i can.
about RAID: from the masters, a definition. from WhatIs.com.
RAID 0,1 is supposed to be the best but it's mucho $pendy. you create a RAID 0 like ccieToBe has then duplex (RAID 1) it. so, you need 2 controllers and 2 sets of disks. | |
| ccieToBe 2001-05-11, 11:52 am |
| Yeah, the xwindow command is the same in Unix so I felt at home until I tried everything else and realized that I was lost at the command prompt without the "help" command.
I haven't done much DEN. NDS and Active Directory are both a little familiar. I don't really know anything about running NDS on Unix so I should probably look into that.
Technically, RAID 0 has the most redundancy. You can recover from harddrive failures as long as at least one remains. RAID5 offers a nice mix of performance and redundancy and seems to be used on a lot of servers. I wouldn't recommend using my setup on anything important, but for someone on a budget whose main concern is performance it's tough to beat. | |
| chunder 2001-05-11, 1:47 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by ccieToBe
Yeah, the xwindow command is the same in Unix so I felt at home until I tried everything else and realized that I was lost at the command prompt without the "help" command.
yes, i wish there was something like in Cisco's IOS - have a question? hit "?" since i have started working on my CCNA, i have almost typed it several times at the NetWare console!
quote:
Originally posted by ccieToBe
I haven't done much DEN. NDS and Active Directory are both a little familiar. I don't really know anything about running NDS on Unix so I should probably look into that.
some familiarity is a good start. and, in all actuality, NDS & ADS are quite similar in design (both x500). it's the different vendors' approach at the implementation that's so different. i tried NDS on my linux box but i don't know enough to do that actual install. woe is me  . some day though.
quote:
Originally posted by ccieToBe
Technically, RAID 0 has the most redundancy. You can recover from harddrive failures as long as at least one remains. RAID5 offers a nice mix of performance and redundancy and seems to be used on a lot of servers. I wouldn't recommend using my setup on anything important, but for someone on a budget whose main concern is performance it's tough to beat.
what card are you running for your RAID? i have thought about a Promise RAID card. i have a Promise ATA/66 card but it's not RAID. i use it on my p3 550 machine that has the BX chipset (which doesn't support on-board ATA/66). | |
| ccieToBe 2001-05-11, 9:31 pm |
| I just got back from the class and the instructor said that I could dual boot with NetWare as long as I create DOS partitions to install it in before starting the installaion program. Does this make sense?
I'm using a Promise FastTrak66. My thought on the ATA100 version is that most PCI buss can only handle 133MB/sec when run to spec, so it would be a waist to spend extra on one of these. My PCI bus is slightly overclocked, but not enough for a noticeable difference.
It works great so far, the only downside being that I haven't been able to find a way to run Linux on it. Tomshardware.com had an article a few months ago on how to change a SuperTrak66 into a FastTrak66. If I remember correctly, it involved changing the position of one of the resistors and flashing the BIOS. Since you already have a SuperTrak you may want to look into doing this. The price difference between the two is something like $20, so I decided to save myself the trouble and buy a FastTrak.
You know, with all this RAM and the fast harddrive system it's a shame to have such a slow processor. Hmmm... | |
| chunder 2001-05-14, 9:34 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by ccieToBe
I just got back from the class and the instructor said that I could dual boot with NetWare as long as I create DOS partitions to install it in before starting the installaion program. Does this make sense?
makes perfect sense. i don't think i have ever done it but just thought it'd be better for you to first mess with NW on a system that's devoted to it. one of the main reasons being so you can connect to it with a client. to do the dual boot, i'd create the DOS partition (don't forget your DOS cdrom drivers) and then install my other OS (win2k, for example) on it's partition and then install NW to the space you left for it. it's completely doable.
quote:
Originally posted by ccieToBe
I'm using a Promise FastTrak66. My thought on the ATA100 version is that most PCI buss can only handle 133MB/sec when run to spec, so it would be a waist to spend extra on one of these. My PCI bus is slightly overclocked, but not enough for a noticeable difference.
It works great so far, the only downside being that I haven't been able to find a way to run Linux on it. Tomshardware.com had an article a few months ago on how to change a SuperTrak66 into a FastTrak66. If I remember correctly, it involved changing the position of one of the resistors and flashing the BIOS. Since you already have a SuperTrak you may want to look into doing this. The price difference between the two is something like $20, so I decided to save myself the trouble and buy a FastTrak.
yeah, i read the article on Tomshardware.com. i'm no EE and haven't done any soldering but found it rather interesting that it CAN be done as such. maybe one day if i feel brave!
quote:
Originally posted by ccieToBe
You know, with all this RAM and the fast harddrive system it's a shame to have such a slow processor. Hmmm...
amen! | |
| ccieToBe 2001-05-14, 11:15 am |
| I can see your point about it being desireable to have a dedicated NetWare box. I plan on getting some more RAM for one of my old PCs and loading NetWare on it by itself. The reason I'm stil thinking of adding NetWare to the boot options of my main PC is so that I can have multiple NetWare servers when I get to those topics that require more then one server. Once I install NetWare (on a system that already has Windows and FreeBSD), what will NetWare do to the MBR? Will it install its own boot manager, or simply point to itself? | |
| chunder 2001-05-14, 12:19 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by ccieToBe
Once I install NetWare (on a system that already has Windows and FreeBSD), what will NetWare do to the MBR? Will it install its own boot manager, or simply point to itself?
nothing... well, only what DOS would do. NetWare starts via SERVER.EXE in the x:\nwserver directory.
it could get tricky adding it to your existing setup... but if installing from scratch (your whole system) i'd create the DOS partition (about 150 MB, but if you ever want to do a core dump, you'll need at least the amount of RAM for the DOS partition size.), then the Win2k, then the linux/BSD. the reason i say this is that i have heard of DOS/Win9x messing up the MBR with winnt/2k machines when installed 2nd. | |
| ccieToBe 2001-05-14, 8:07 pm |
| Oh, I didn't realize that NetWare started up through a DOS command. That's kind of scary from a security standpoint, but good for dual booting. I think I'd better reload everything to avoid the whole M$/Unix conflict. If the DOS partition can only be up to 2GB, and has to be at least the size of the of the available RAM to do a core dump, then does this mean that you can only have up to 2GB of RAM if you need the ability to do core dumps? | |
| chunder 2001-05-15, 9:24 am |
| well, the size of the DOS partition isn't a "hard fast rule". it's mostly a recommendation for convenience-sake to have the DOS partition at least the size of RAM. see, if you have a server that crashes and you need to do a core dump, then all the data in RAM is copied it to floppies or the C: drive (DOS partition). when you have more than 2 gig, hmm, i have actually never thought about that. but, nw5.x ships with caldera's DR-DOS and i think it supports FAT32 and larger partitions. so, you can use that but it's a little bit different. i don't use it cuz we have the licenses for MS-DOS and i am fmailiar with it. |
|
|
|
|