File Locking - Compaq N2400 - TaskSmart - 1 GB RAM Administration Manual

Integrating UNIX into Windows NT 4-31

File Locking

NFS supports the ability to lock files. File locking helps prevent two or more
users from working with the same files at the same time.
For example, Microsoft Office or Star Office places a lock on an open file to
prevent other users from editing the file at the same time. NFS has support for
this action.
However, NFS locking is optional, but advisable. It is not forced on the user.
NFS locking depends on the software application components to manage the
locks. If an application does not lock a file, or if a second application does not
check for locks before writing to the file, nothing prevents the users from
overwriting files.
The waiting period setting determines how long the TaskSmart N2400
appliance allows the locks to be kept active after a client or server crash. The
TaskSmart N2400 appliance keeps the locks active for the specified number of
seconds, while querying the client to see if it wants to keep the lock. If the
client responds within this time frame, the lock is kept active. Otherwise, the
TaskSmart clears the lock.
The locking user interface also allows the administrator to manually clear
locks. Figure 4-20 illustrates the SFU for NFS File Locking interface.
Figure 4-20. SFU for NFS file locking