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Loading the NetWare Shell
Before logging in to a NetWare server, you need to load either VLM or NETX, depending on which shell you
have installed on your PC.
The preferred shell to use is Novell’s VLM (Virtual Loadable Module manager). This shell provides improved
performance by transferring data in burst mode. NETX is Novell’s older shell program. While it works fine over
FastLink II, it lacks some of the features that the VLM shell has that are useful for remote access.
To use VLM, type:
VLM
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To use NETX, type:
NETX
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Logging In
Once you’ve loaded VLM or NETX, you can use the LOGIN command to login to a file server. From the DOS
prompt, type:
LOGIN servername/username
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Then enter your password when prompted.
For example, to login to server BIGSERVER as user ALICE:
LOGIN BIGSERVER/ALICE
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Your PC is connected to the server and you are now able to use all network services.
While connected, you can minimize delays by running programs from your local drive rather than from the file
server. It’s a good idea, for example, to ensure that your PATH environment setting lists local directories prior to
network directories.
Using a Local Login Script
When you use the LOGIN command to login to a NetWare file server, a login script is run. The login script may
attach to additional file servers, map drives and printers, and perform other functions that set up your networking
environment.
When using FastLink II, you may want to override your standard login script with a local login script. Your
standard login script might take a long time to run over a dial-up line; a short, well-designed local login script
can usually speed up the process considerably:
You can avoid the delay of transferring the server’s login script over the dial-up line.
