Using the Network Quick Start Disk

Now you're ready to configure the NetWinder's own network settings, using your Windows workstation. Start up a Java-capable web browser, insert the Quick Start Floppy, and open the file setup.htm. This file is also stored in the Quick Start directory of the OfficeServer Resources CD-ROM. The set-up programme will ask you for permission to proceed.

When you grant this, you will see this page:

Your NetWinder uses software called Network Intelligence to choose correct network settings for itself automatically. These will appear in the Quick Start application. Edit the values if required.

For almost all users, the default values in the Quick Start screen do not need to be changed at this time. Depending on your type of Internet connection (and the requirements of your ISP) you may change some of these values later when you are configuring the Internet connection.

  1. IP Address. This is the address of the NetWinder. OfficeServer Quick Start automatically scans the network and assigns this address. Be sure to take note of this address; you will need it later in this process.
  1. Gateway. This is the address of the server that talks to the Internet. Quick Start automatically scans the network and assigns this address. If you have a modem connection (including cable modem and ADSL), this should be the IP address of the NetWinder. However, if you have a router (such as a T1 or ISDN router) that has its own IP address, then you should use its address here.
  1. Hostname. You can make this netwinder or whatever you prefer. Ultimately, however, you may have to change this to match your ISP's requirements.
  1. Date. OfficeServer Quick Start sets the date based on information from your desktop computer.
  1. Root Password. This is the administrator's password. You may create a new password composed of no more than 8 characters, which may be letters (upper or lower case) and/or numbers.
  1. Netmask. This is an internal value set by OfficeServer Quick Start. Use the value that you inserted in the Windows TCP/IP Properties dialogue box; this should be 255.255.255.0.
  1. Nameserver. The nameserver (or Domain Name Server, or DNS) is the server that translates word addresses such as fred@acme.com into numeric IP addresses like the one you assigned the NetWinder. If your LAN doesn't already have a nameserver, and if your ISP has not provided you with the IP address of a nameserver, then use the NetWinder's IP address.
  1. Domain Name. If you have registered a domain name, insert it here.
  1. Time. OfficeServer Quick Start sets the time based on information from your desktop computer.
  1. Click Activate Settings. (If you do change the IP address that Quick Start has selected, the NetWinder will reconfigure its address automatically.)
  1. Exit the Quick Start application by closing your browser. The NetWinder will reboot.

If Quick Start Doesn't Work

If for some reason the Quick Start system doesn't work, you can attach a keyboard and monitor to your NetWinder and configure it using the nwconfig program. See the chapter called Recovering from Emergencies for details on this technique.

NOTE: You need a web browser supporting the JDK version 1.1 or higher. Netscape 4.x and Internet Explorer 4.x and 5.x all support this version of the JDK. Older browser versions will not be able to access the Quick Start disk properly.