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Networking DOS and Windows

DOS, Windows 3.1, and Windows 95 are not built as networking operating systems. Windows NT is built as a networking operating system.

Typically, a DOS computer attaches to a server based Local Area Network with a Network Operating System such as Netware running the network. Windows 95 can be networked together with other Windows 95 or NT machines, though the connection isn't always secure.

Windows 95/98

On the exam, there are several questions surrounding the Dial Up Networking features of Windows 95 & 98. Dial Up Networking, or DUN for short, installs the Dial-Up Adapter and Client for Microsoft Networks. These function to connect your computer to another in PPP, point to point protocol, which allows you to do such functions as surf the internet or logon to your company's intranet. It can communicate in NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, or TCP/IP.

Windows 95 also supports a direct cable connection for a peer to peer network. This is most commonly performed using a null modem cable (serial port to serial port) and allows you to use file and print sharing with other Windows 95 machines.