Network Computer Configuration

Before starting to configure your network complete the Network Computer Configuration Form in Appendix A, Network Computer Configuration Form.

Web Server Document Root Administration

The web server document root is the root directory of the web server running on your system. The documents under this root are accessible to any system connected to the web server (provided the user has permissions). If a file is not under this root directory, then it cannot be accessed through the web server. Netra j requires the document root information to set up the default applications for the client.

By default, Netra j sets up HotJava Views and HotJava Browser as main application options available through the Network Computer Application Management module. NCs can access these applications by either mounting to the respective application directory or by specifying a URL. Through document root, Netra j creates a link to HotJava Views or HotJava Browser. Netra j also sets up the dhcptab entries in document root so that the file names can be used in dhcptab.

Netra j does not allow you to add a new main application or an NC without setting up document root.

You need to know the document root of the default web server. If you did not have a default web server configured on port 80 before the Netra j installation, then the Netra j installation process installs the Sun WebServer and configures it as your default web server at port 80. The default document root for Sun WebServer on port 80 is /var/http/demo/public.

If you copy the file spec.html under the root directory, then any user can access this file using the URL http://hostname.domain/specs.html.

To Modify Web Server Document Root

1. From the Main Administration page, under "Network Computer Administration" click Network Computer Server.

   The Network Computer Configuration page is displayed.

2. Under "Global Network Computer Management," click Modify Web Server Documentation Root.

   The Modify Web Server Document Root page is displayed.

3. Complete the form using the information in the following table.

   Table 2-1 Web Server Parameters

   Parameter

   Description

   Full Path Name of the Document Root

   Enter the absolute path of the document root for the default web server. For example, if Sun WebServer is running on port 80, then refer to the file /etc/http/httpd.conf and find the keyword doc-root. The default document root for Sun WebServer is /var/http/demo/public. If Netscape web server is running on port 80, then refer to the file /usr/local/netscape/nse-home/https-ServerName/config/obj.conf and find the keyword document root.

Defining Boot Server Global Parameters

Table 2-2 describes the global parameters you can configure through the Netra j GUI. Some of the parameters listed in the table are considered basic whereas others can be configured using the advanced global parameters forms.

Optional parameters have the phrase (optional) mentioned after them. Other parameters are required.

If your server is already on the network and is properly configured, Netra j obtains most of the global parameters automatically. To verify this information or to make any changes, refer to the appropriate modules for instructions.

You can modify the global parameters that are used by the boot server for all NCs. The global parameters are described in Table 2-2.

To Configure or Modify Global Parameters

1. From the Main Administration page, under "Network Computer Administration," click Network Computer Server.

   The Network Computer Configuration page is displayed.

2. Under "Global Network Computer Management," click Configure (or Modify) Global Parameters.

   The Configure (or Modify) Global Parameters page is displayed.

3. Complete or modify the form using the information in following table.

   Table 2-2 Network Computer Global Parameters

   Parameter	Description
   NIS Domain Name (optional)	The name of the NIS domain in which the NCs reside.
   NIS Server Address(es) (optional)	The list of host address(es) of NIS or servers for the NCs. A list of NIS server addresses configured in the NC server database is displayed.
   DNS Domain Name	The name of the DNS domain in which the NCs reside.
   DNS Server Address(es)	The host address of the DNS server(s) for the NCs.
   Boot Server Address	The host address of the NC boot server on the local network.
   Time Server Address	The IP address of a server supporting the network time protocol (NTP).
   Router Address(es) (optional)	A list of host address(es) of the routers to be used by the NCs. If not given, JavaOS broadcasts looking for a router.   A list of router addresses configured in the NC server database is displayed.
   Lease Time (in days)	The duration (in days) of the IP address lease to the NC client. By default, this field is set to 3 days. After this period of time, if an IP address lease is not renewed, the NC shuts down its network interface. A value of -1 specifies an infinite (permanent) lease.
   Lease Negotiation	A "Yes" or "No" flag indicating whether lease negotiation is to be performed. If the lease time is set to the value "infinite" (-1), "Yes" has no meaning.
   Network Interfaces	An access point to a system on a network. Each interface is associated with one physical device (however, a physical device can have multiple network interfaces).
   Time Zone	Specifies the time zone in which the NC clients are located. This 3-letter field defaults to the time zone specified in the NC server database.

To Unconfigure Global Parameters

1. From the Main Administration page, under "Network Computer Administration," click Network Computer Server.

   The Network Computer Configuration page is displayed.

2. Under "Global Network Computer Management," click Unconfigure Global Parameters.

   The Unconfigure Global Parameters page is displayed.

3. Click OK.