There are software interrupts for handling specific
requests and for performing specific actions (for
example, determining memory size). Interrupts can
provide access to more functions (for example, DOS
interrupt 2AH provides for network control functions).
SOFTWARE CONFIGURATIONS
All of the software that will be installed on the
network will be configured for use on the system.
Unfortunately, the manufacturers can’t configure the
software to function properly on each and every system.
It will be up to you to make configuration changes to get
the optimum performance from the specific software
that will be loaded on the network.
These changes can include one or more of the
following:
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Available memory
Type of peripheral (e.g., disk or tape drives,
printers, etc.)
Number of users
Access speeds
Available disk space
Before making any changes to the software, ensure
that there are adequate backups available to restore the
system if problems are encountered. The most
important thing to remember, when making changes, is
to read the installation instructions that were supplied
by the manufacturer first.
NETWORK PARAMETERS
If you think about the network, its performance is
governed by both the hardware and software. The
hardware has certain limitations that are set by the
manufacturer and can’t be changed. You can’t speed up
disk or memory access times, no matter what you do.
The software, however, can be changed to help make
the network run better.
Setting Parameters
Although the software is designed to run at the
optimal rate, because each system is different there are
some changes that can be made. Changes to these
settings can allow the system to run even better, using
all of its resources.
Some of these setting changes include:
Adjusting memory partitions
Drive/directory access
N u m b e r o f u s e r s
This is by no means a complete list of possible
changes that can be made; refer to the operator’s manual
for your specific software for changes that can be made.
Modifying Parameters
The modification of the network parameters on
your specific system will depend on the software being
used. Each manufacturer sets up the software to run at
optimal performance. There will be times that the
network’s performance falls off because of adding
additional equipment, creating the need to change the
parameters. When the parameters must be changed,
always refer to the operator’s manual for the specifics.
A number of parameters can be changed to improve
the network’s performance, including increasing the
amount of memory used for disk sharing, print
spooling, and printing. By increasing the buffer used
for transferring files between the file server and
workstations, the file server does not have to perform as
many send operations and can perform other network
procedures more quickly. By increasing the size of the
buffer used for handling user requests, more user
requests can be processed and the network can perform
faster.
NETWORK PORT CONFIGURATION
A port is a connection on the back of the computer
where you connect peripherals, switches, networks, or
other devices. The port provides the electrical and
physical interface between the device and the computer.
There are two types of ports:
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Parallel: A hardware connection used to send or
receive a lot of data over a short distance. These
ports typically send eight bits of data
simultaneously.
Serial: A hardware connection that is used to
send data one bit at a time and is very good for
sending information over a long distance.
Port Address or Name
A port address is a bus or memory address that is
associated with a particular hardware port. The port
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