1.1 Understanding How
the Novell Client for Linux Differs from Novell Client for Windows 2000/XP
Using the Novell Client for Linux differs in a few ways from
using the Novell Client for Windows*. For users and network
administrators who are familiar with the Novell Client for Windows, knowing
these differences can help the transition to Linux run more smoothly.
Installation and Upgrades
Logging In
- The Novell Client Login is not integrated
into the initial workstation login. After you log in to the workstation,
you must also log in from the Novell tray application. This means
that there is no Novell username or password synchronization with
the workstation username and password.
- When a user logs in to a local workstation and then
opens a remote SSH session and logs in as the same user, the network
resources that user has rights to are available to the user.
- The Novell Client for Linux can use the NMAS™ login
method to authenticate. However, the NMAS login is not integrated
in to the Novell Client for Linux login screen, so the default login
sequence cannot be set in the Novell Client Login screen.
- The Novell Client for Linux uses OpenSLP, whereas
the Novell Client for Windows uses Novell's implementation of SLP.
The network administrator must set up OpenSLP
before users can look up trees, contexts, and servers using the
Browse buttons in the Novell Client Login window. If OpenSLP is
not set up, the user must enter a username, tree, and context to
connect to the network. See Section 4.0, Managing Login for more information.
Because Linux uses OpenSLP, the implementation is different
and the user's experience is different. For more information, see Section 4.3, Using OpenSLP to Simplify
Login.
- The Novell Client for Linux does not use the Dynamic
Local User or Location Profiles that are available in Windows.
User Interface
Both a graphical user interface and command line utilities
are available to complete client actions such as mapping drives,
setting trustee rights, and copying files.
Login Scripts
Novell has been able to port the vast majority of login script
functionality to the Linux platform. This means that the login scripts
you create in your network work for both Windows users and Linux
users with very little difference in functionality.
Some difference do exist, however. For example, mapped drives
are implemented by creating symbolic links and search drives are
not available on Linux. Other small differences are created by the
inherent difference between Windows and Linux. All the differences
and issues are listed in the Novell
Login Scripts Guide.