Posted: 11-Jun-2002
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4 out of 5 Mice |
Vendor: Thursby Software | Type: COMMERCIAL |
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Reviewer: Bob Kenyon | Class: PRODUCTIVITY |
Being a Mac user in a Wintel world
means a constant struggle to connect and share information with Windows users. Although
programs like Microsoft Office act as a Rosetta stone to enable Windows and Mac users
to share information, sometimes the Mac user needs to surf through a Windows server
to find information. DAVE is a program that allows Mac users to access Windows networks
and servers.
This review covers the newest version DAVE 3.1 and how it works with the Mac OS X
10.1.4 operating system.
Installation & Configuration
Installation, as with any Macintosh program, is a breeze. After the program is installed,
the only place you really see DAVE is in the System Preferences. DAVE adds 3 icons
in the Other category of the System Preferences window, DAVE Login, DAVE network
and DAVE Sharing.
DAVE Login allows the DAVE user to log into a Microsoft Network. After the Log In...
button is clicked, the user enters their login information and then they have access
to the network, just like being logged into an actual Windows network from a Windows
computer.
DAVE Network allows the user to configure the Identity (Computer Name, Description,
and Workgroup) of the Macintosh so that other Windows users will see it. There is
also an Advanced tab which allows configuration of the type of network to be used,
such as modem, ethernet or AirPort and the type of Encoding to be used. And finally,
there is a WINS tab so that the user can configure the WINS servers that will be
used.
The last icon is the DAVE Sharing icon, which allows the user to share information
from the DAVE enabled Macintosh to other Windows users on the same network. Both
Folders and Printers can be shared. Also here, the user level can be designated.
Usage
After logging into the Windows network, the Go -> Connect to Server... menu item
becomes your ticket to the network. There, just as with an Appletalk or other network,
you will see an item called DAVE network. This is the Windows network you logged
into, and here you will see the Windows computers you can connect to.
I was unable to connect to Windows printers, and as it turns out, the support is
not there yet for the OS X version of the program. It is due to come out soon.
Conclusion
For the Mac user in a Windows environment, this program is a must have. It provides
good integration with the Mac OS X operating system, and ease of installation and
configuration are just what the Mac user expects.
Pros:
- Allows Mac users to connect to Windows networks with great ease
- Easy to configure WINS servers
- Good integration with Mac operating system
Cons:
- Can't connect to Windows Printers yet
Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Mice