Network Computingwww.networkcomputing.com

Of course, not everything was perfect with our first issue. A number of you commented that while you liked the topics that we chose to cover, you still found some of the language and references used by our reviewers to be rather technical. We hear you!

One for All and All for One We want to make sure that our reviews are useful for our entire audience. And while some of you are just starting out in the networking and IT game, there are many of you who are seasoned veterans who could teach us a thing or two. As a compromise, we've added a technology 101 sidebar to each of our reviews. If you are confused about some of the terminology or concepts in the review, check that sidebar for clarification.

I suppose I should have known better. I remember becoming familiar with technology and terminology. Last issue, I mentioned that we set out to create a publication for people like me back when I was supporting workgroups at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. I still remember getting laughed at in 1983 when I asked someone what a graphical user interface was. Hey, look, it was 1983!Š

If you want even more information, one great source is our Interactive Network Design Manual, which can be found on our Web site (www.NetworkComputing.com/netdesign/series.htm). It covers everything from basic LAN concepts to wide area networking and videoconferencing. We think you will find it a great resource.

In this issue, we've gone server-happy, bringing you reviews of low-cost, Intel-based servers, as well as turnkey Internet servers. With the low-cost servers review, you'll be amazed at how much bang you can get for your buck. The turnkey Internet servers offer a variety of services and a variety of price points. One thing's for sure: They'll make getting your organization on the Net a lot easier than you probably thought possible.

We also have a single product review of Novell's NetWare for Small Business. When Novell set out to create a product for this market, it wanted to offer everything that you'd need in one easy-to-manage box. Take a look and see if Novell succeeded.

Our Workshop in this issue is on remote management techniques. Whether you need to provide helpdesk services to the person in the next office or shared whiteboard services to someone across the country, Dave Brown has a word or two of sound advice for you.

Furthermore, we have a Buyer's Guide on monochrome network printers. Network printers aren't pretty, and they certainly aren't sexy, but everyone either has one or wants one. Come to think of it, that sounds a little like the pictures we run of Fritz Nelson next to his "What's Inside" column in Network Computing. And just like Fritz, you'll be amazed at what these seemingly boring network-connected printers are capable of. It's required reading for anyone in the workgroup IT game (the Buyer's Guide, not Fritz's column. ŠWell, maybe you should read that, too.)

--Art Wittmann