To understand how Novell Native File Access Protocols incorporate the security of NetWare, you must understand the different types of passwords used in networking---local, domain controller, NetWare, and simple.
The Windows operating system requires a username and password to log in to the computer. This password, called the local password, is stored locally on the computer's disk drive.
Windows networking uses a domain controller to restrict access to the network. When Windows users log in to the network using a Domain Controller, they are required to enter a username and password for authentication. This password, called the domain controller password, is stored on the domain controller computer on the network.
To access the network, each user must have a network account created specifically for them. This account is called a User object. It consists of a NetWare username and a corresponding NetWare password. When the workstation is running Novell Client software, the user logs in by entering the NetWare username (including context) and password. NetWare usernames and passwords are stored securely on NetWare servers.
Another password, called the simple password, is required to provide access to workstations not running Novell Client software. Just like the NetWare password, the simple password is stored on the network. Each user must have a simple password to access network resources using native protocols.
When users access a network resource using their native methods (such as My Network Places or Chooser), they enter their NetWare username and the simple password. The username and password are verified by NetWare, and if they are correct, access is granted to the network resource.