Mac Pro and networking with Windows and Novell Netware

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Level 1

85 points

Mac Pro and networking with Windows and Novell Netware

I currently have 2 machines at work: One HP Windows PC (high configuration) and a PowerMac G5 2GHz dual. I'm basically close to purchasing a new Mac Pro to replace both machines but need some advice. I do the majority of design work on the Mac. However I need the Windows PC to also do some design work but mainly use it to connect into the windows network at work. Basically I need to be able to access the network drives (which are set up with Novell Netware), Novell GroupWise email system and connect to the internet through the LAN (via Microsoft TCP/IP).

Can I do this with a Mac Pro, with either Bootcamp or Parallels? Is there any sacrifice in terms of performance in using Bootcamp or Parallels? The end result I want is similar to what I am doing at the moment - at the moment I use a PC to network and the Mac to design, side by side with each other. What I want is to do this from one machine, not two. (I also need the PC side of things as I need to use some software that isn't available on the Mac, eg. bespoke databases that run on PC). Is it easy to network under Bootcamp/Parallels? What pitfalls are there that I need to be aware of?

PowerMac G5 Dual 2GHz, Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Aug 24, 2006 5:33 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 24, 2006 9:43 AM in response to Naz Hussain

First, I think you should post it on mac pro forum for you will get more mac pro user responds and tips.

Second, if you running boot camp XP, it is like you running windows machine, so the networking process is similar to sets as pc desktop, but be advised that xp partition cannot read the Mac Partition and you have to "reboot" to get back to Mac platform, which I think parallel xp can do that to jump over platform and exchange data between them two.

Good Luck.

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Answer 2

Naz Hussain Author

Level 1

85 points

Aug 24, 2006 4:21 PM in response to Michael Tirta

I would need to be able to share files between the Mac and the boot camp XP enviroment - if this can't be done then maybe parallels is the answer - is networking possible with Parallels? If so, can it network to Novell Netware 5.5.5?

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Answer 3

tfurr0ws

Level 1

95 points

Aug 24, 2006 4:30 PM in response to Naz Hussain

Networking works in Parallels, or in Q:

http://www.kju-app.org/kju/

Which has the advantage of being free. Networking is rather easy, in fact.

Now, as for Windows file sharing, you should read:

http://www.macdevcenter.com/pub/a/mac/2002/11/19/mac_pc.html
http://lists.samba.org/archive/samba/2001-November/032870.html

For netware, I have NO idea 🙂

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Answer 4

brainphd

Level 1

5 points

Aug 24, 2006 10:01 PM in response to tfurr0ws

Hi-

I just ran a very similar question by our network administrator. At work, we run 99% Wintels and use Novell Netware for our servers and Groupwise for email and scheduling.

For Groupwise/Email, there is a mac client available from Novell, you should be able to download it for free and install it.

For access to network drives through Netware, there is no need to install any type of Netware service on a mac. The SAMBA service on your mac will enable it to access Netware disks "natively." So, as the "it just works" saying goes, just plug in your new mac, and you should see all of your network drives.

Hope this helps somewhat.

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