Linking Unix and Windows 2000, the Microsoft way
Brien M Posey
Published: 24 Dec 2002 23:21 GMT
System requirements
Windows Services for Unix is designed to operate on Windows NT (Service Pack 6a), Windows 2000 (Service Pack 2 or later), and Windows XP. Windows Services for Unix runs on both the server and workstation versions of Windows NT and Windows 2000. It's designed to be compatible with all major versions of Unix. However, Microsoft officially supports only Solaris 2.7, HP-UX 11, AIX 4.3.3, and Red Hat Linux 7.0. Windows NT Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition isn't supported, and neither are Windows 9x, Windows Me, or Windows XP Home Edition.
The Windows machine that Windows Services for Unix runs on requires 184Megabyte of free hard disk space, and, according to the Microsoft Web site, 1MB of RAM, although 16MB of RAM isn't even enough to run Windows in most situations. A more realistic recommendation is 256MB of RAM. I also recommend that your server have at least a 600 MHz processor and at least one NIC that's configured to use TCP/IP.
Licensing and availability
The full Windows Services for Unix package is available from any Microsoft distribution channel for about $99. Microsoft also offers the software on a try-before-you-buy basis. You can download a 120-day evaluation edition as well. The download file is a hefty 140MB, so if you don't have a broadband connection, you might be better off ordering the trial version on a CD. Microsoft supplies trial software CDs for free, although a nominal shipping charge usually applies.
Depending on your individual installation, the software may also require client access licenses. If you install Windows Services for Unix onto a Windows 2000 or Windows NT Server product, the server will be running in either Per Seat or Per Server licensing mode. If the server is running in Per Seat mode, each device that accesses the server must have a valid client access license. Likewise, if the server is running in Per Server mode, then the maximum number of devices that may access or otherwise use the server is equal to the number of client access licenses you have.
The good news is that a standard client access license for Windows NT Server 4.0 or for Windows 2000 Server allows the client to also use Windows Services for Unix. Therefore, as long as a client already has a client access license for the server, an additional license isn't required.
Windows Services for Unix also runs on Windows NT Workstation 4.0, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP Professional. These operating systems simultaneously access up to 10 devices. No special licenses are required when running Windows Services for Unix on a workstation.
The best of both worlds
Windows Services for Unix provides a great way to simplify the process of integrating Windows and Unix environments. When you deploy Windows Services for Unix, your network can benefit from the strengths of both Windows and Unix, and you can better integrate your legacy systems into your current network.
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