1. Introduction

This chapter provides an introduction to the NT at Fermilab manual. In particular, it covers:

• the purpose and intended audience
• a summary of the contents of all the chapters and the appendix
• where to find the manual on-line or obtain a hardcopy
• how updates to the manual are handled
• the typeface conventions and symbols used throughout the manual
• where to send comments and questions

2. The NT Environment at Fermilab

In this chapter we introduce you to the environment that has been implemented at Fermilab for PCs. The PC Support (PCS) group supports and therefore is encouraging the use of the Windows NT 4.0 operating system, and we describe it here (very) briefly. We include a description of client/server networks, NT domains, and more specifically, the FNAL NT domain at the lab. You will find at the end a list of computing resources and services available on the FNAL NT domain.

3. NT User Support at Fermilab

This chapter discusses NT user support. You will find information on the type of services that the PC Support (PCS) group can provide, who to call for support, and how to contact Fermilab's Customer Support.

4. Purchasing a New PC

Here we discuss what you should look for when preparing to buy a new PC that will perform well in the FNAL NT domain or other modern networked environment.

5. Joining the FNAL NT Domain

In this chapter we describe the things that need to be done to get an account on the FNAL NT domain. Depending on your level of support, an NT administrator may take care of some or all of these tasks for you.

6. Getting Started with NT

In this chapter we provide some basic information on using Windows NT 4.0. For further information, we refer you to section 6.8: Recommended Texts for NT .

7. Software for Windows NT

The PCS group provides a wide range of software for FNAL NT domain users. In this chapter we first discuss software licensing issues. The rest of the chapter contains information on:

• where/how to find software useful to your job functions
• purchasing software
• installing and removing software

8. Email

Fermilab is promoting the use of server-based email. The Computing Division supports two Internet-oriented methods of accessing electronic mail or bulletin board messages stored on a mail server:

• IMAP (Internet Mail Access Protocol)
• POP (Post Office Protocol).

In this chapter we provide information on available mail handlers that support these protocols.

9. File Management in the FNAL NT Domain

This chapter discusses file storage within the FNAL NT domain. A personal, backed-up file storage area (also called a user volume) is provided for each supported FNAL NT domain user on his or her designated server machine. Common file storage areas can also be set up for departments, groups and projects in order to facilitate file sharing.

10. Printing in the FNAL NT Domain

In this chapter we include NT-specific printing information, and refer you to existing documentation. Information on printing facilities at Fermilab is maintained in a series of Computing Division Web pages. For general printing information, select Printing from the Computing Division Home Page.

A. Dynamic Versus Static IP Addresses

Here we describe dynamic and static IP addresses, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages associated with each type.

bold

Used for product names (e.g., Outlook Express ), Web page headings, and to emphasize text. Also indicates a key to press, a Window or menu name, or a button on a Window.

italic

Used to emphasize a word or concept in the text; also used for reference documents, email addresses and Web page titles and links.

typewriter

Used for URLs, filenames and pathnames.

< ctrl- char >

Indicates a control character. To enter a control character, hold down the control key (labeled Ctrl, probably) while pressing the key specified by char .

The following symbols are used throughout this document to draw your attention to specific items in the text:

A "bomb"; this refers to something important you need to know in order to avoid a pitfall.

This symbol is intended to draw your attention to a useful hint.

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