This soft copy for use by IBM employees only.
Chapter 1. Introduction
Windows NT Server 4.0 is one of the major network operating systems available
on the market today, and is continuing to gain market acceptance. At the time of
publishing, previews are being shown of what may appear in version 5.0 of the
product. This demonstrates the fact the product is being developed and refined
to meet market demand.
Some features that set NT 4.0 apart from NT 3.51 include the following:
•
Revamped Windows 95 look and feel.
•
Integral DNS service.
•
Internet Server 2.0.
•
Front Page, a new Web publishing tool.
•
Several refinements to the system, with some major sections of code
rewritten to run faster.
In this redbook, we aim to demonstrate how easy and quickly NT 4.0 can be
installed on the range of IBM PC servers from the IBM PC Server 310 right up to
the IBM PC Server 704 and Server 720.
This book is not designed to teach you how to use Windows NT - it is assumed
that you are already familiar with the operating system. Rather, this book is
designed to aid you in installing and tuning NT 4.0 on your new IBM PC Server.
We have tested the installations on a variety of current and recent servers and
adapters so as to provide as much insight as possible into using the hardware
that you, the readers, are likely to have.
1.1 Where Windows NT is Heading
Naturally, Microsoft is continuing to enhance the operating system and is already
in beta test for the next version of the product, Version 5.0.
A press release dated November 4, 1996 announcing a preview of the Windows
NT Server 5.0 was shown to developers at Microsoft′s Professional Developer′s
Conference. It stated a number of enhancements to the product, including:
•
Active Directory
•
Active Server
•
Management Console
The full text of the press release can be found at URL:
http://www.microsoft.com/corpinfo/PRESS/1996/Nov96/MSNT5PR.htm
1.2 IBM and Windows NT
IBM continues to consider Windows NT to be one of the major network operating
systems of choice for its PC Server customers. To this end, IBM has committed
a large amount of resources to ensure that Windows NT runs at its best on IBM
hardware.
The Kirkland Programming Center is one of IBM′s major interfaces to Microsoft.
Located in Kirkland, Washington, the facility is five miles from Microsoft′s
Redmond campus, allowing quick access to the Microsoft team.
Copyright IBM Corp. 1997 1