Windows NT Server provides all the networking software necessary to connect an information server or network to the Internet. The Windows NT software used is defined in Table 2.5.
Table 2.5 Networking Software Used for Connecting to the Internet
Windows NT software component | Function |
Infrastructure | |
TCP/IP protocol | Is required to communicate with other computers on the Internet. |
DHCP server | Dynamically assigns TCP/IP configuration to computers on a network. |
WINS server | Provides name resolution for NetBIOS names. |
DNS server | Provides name resolution for Domain Name System names. |
HOSTS file | Provides name resolution for DNS names. |
LMHOSTS file | Provides name resolution for NetBIOS names. |
Connectivity | |
Remote Access Service | Enables incoming connections from remote clients that are using Dial-Up Networking or other PPP or Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) dial-up software. |
Dial-Up Networking | Provides low-speed connections to the Internet. Primarily used by clients connecting to a Remote Access Service server or Internet service provider. |
RIP (routing information protocol) for Internet Protocol | Provides routing for high-speed connections to the Internet (or other networks). Primarily used on small to medium-size networks. |
Publishing | |
Internet Information Server | Enables file and application sharing by using the HTTP, FTP, and Gopher protocols. Requires a computer running Windows NT Server. |
Peer Web Services | Enables file and application sharing by using the HTTP, FTP, and Gopher protocols. Requires a computer running Windows NT Workstation. |
Internet Explorer | Enables access to shared files and applications by using Internet protocols. |
To complement these primary tools, you can also use tools in the Windows NT Resource Kit (see Chapter 7, "Internet Tools"), public domain programs available on the Internet, or commercial products that include more features and technical support.
You also need a connection to the Internet. Depending on your needs, the connection can be a 28.8 Kbps modem and dial-in Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) account, or a dedicated high-volume line supplied by an Internet service provider for an Internet server or providing an Internet gateway for an intranet.
For information about | See |
The physical connection to the Internet | "Establishing an Internet Connection," earlier in this chapter |
The Internet tools in this Resource Kit | Chapter 7, "Internet Tools" |