Best Peer Network Operating System

Windows Network Has No Peer

The term peer network operating system (NOS) is a misnomer. Even an oxymoron. Peer NOSes don't quite support the complete set of NetWare-like features, yet they're more intrusive than the built-in peer-to-peer support in the latest client operating systems. While Artisoft's LANtastic has always had a following, we still encourage buyers to use a full-scale NOS like NetWare or Windows NT, particularly if the peer NOS requires a dedicated server.
Otherwise, if using a full NOS is overkill or you don't want the expense of dedicated file server hardware, then rely on the built-in features of your desktop operating system. Apple has built-in file and print features with System 7 and clearly is the choice for Macs. While PowerTalk hasn't been as successful as a follow-on, Apple has led the way in networking at the desktop.
Microsoft's current upgrade to Windows includes networking capability: Windows for Workgroups 3.11. Microsoft finally sees that networking is a basic fact of desktop and mobile life, and its other operating systems--NT 3.5 and the upcoming Windows95--are even more bulked up on networking.
If there are no built-in networking features, such as with DOS, then LANtastic would be our choice. A market leader, LANtastic offers a variety of networking services on multiple client platforms from a proven vendor.
Of these products, Windows for Workgroups 3.11 is the most efficient in handling simple networking for the largest group of existing desktops: Windows PCs. You can use it with NetWare or NT, but for simple file and print it works fine by itself. It supports a wide range of network interface cards using NDIS drivers, but it can run with NetWare ODI drivers as well.

Windows for Workgroups 3.11,
$219.95, Microsoft Corp.,
One Microsoft Way, Redmond,
WA 98052. (206) 882-8080;
fax (206) 93-MSFAX.

Runners-Up
LANtastic v6.0 Network Operating System,
Artisoft, 2202 N. Forbes Blvd.,
Tucson, AZ 85745.
(602) 670-7100; fax (602) 670-7101.

Macintosh System 7.5,
Apple Computer, 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014.
(408) 996-1010; TLX 171-576.