Local area network operating systems

Question 1 - the redirector

Explain the use of a redirector for a workstation.

Question 2 - RAM upgrades and NOS

It is often necessary to upgrade the RAM when a workstation is to be connected to a local area network. Why?

Question 3 - Multiprocessing

Why is it necessary for the server's operatingsystem to be based on multitasking?

Question 4 - Connecting a network.

You are freshly hired in a business where you have the responsibility for the computers in addition to your normal job.

The equipment you are responsible for is:

Four PC 386DX33 with 1MB RAM
Two PC 8088 640K RAM
One HP LaserJet II laserwriter
One EPSON FX-80 matrix writer

The company has a small budget for computer equipment and office manager asks you to propose a budget and a plan for setting up a network. He asks for a list over what has to be done, and what it will cost to get an operational network. The network is expected to be able to use e-mail and those applications being used today (text editor who is an outdated version of WP, and some other smaller applications) from a fileserver. There are six users in the company, including you and daily leader.

Make a rapport for office manager S. Crooge in Little Money A/S where you include:

A scheme over equipment and cables (network diagram where you show workstations/servers/printers placing against each other on the cable. Use a bus topology.
An overview over expenses for NOS (software), upgrades and buying new software and equipment, and a suggestion as to how much time you will use on the job.

Put a copy of the report on the class' newsgroup (on hypernews). A part of the lecture is to go there to read others reports and comment them. Who provides the best solution using as few resources as possible? Use some time to read others' answers and don't hesitate to comment them a bit. It will be in everyone's best interests…