Understanding The Novell Client For Linux Virtual File System; Understanding When The Virtual File System Kernel Module Needs To Be Compiled - Novell CLIENT FOR LINUX 1.2 - ADMINISTRATION Manual

• The Novell Client for Linux does not use the Dynamic Local User or Location Profiles that are
User Interface
Both a graphical user interface and command line utilities are available to complete client actions
such as mapping drives, setting trustee rights, and copying files.
Login Scripts
Novell has ported the vast majority of login script functionality to the Linux platform. This means
that the login scripts you create in your network can be used for both Windows users and Linux
users with very little difference in functionality.
Some differences do exist, however. For example, mapped drives are implemented by creating
symbolic links and search drives are not available on Linux. Other small differences are created by
the inherent difference between Windows and Linux. All the differences and issues are listed in the
Novell Login Scripts
2.2 Understanding the Novell Client for Linux
Virtual File System
The Novell Client for Linux differs from previous Novell Clients to enable it to work on the Linux
platform. In Windows, the Novell Client loads a single binary that works on multiple operating
system platforms without modifications. The Novell Client for Linux has a Virtual File System that
consists of a kernel module (novfs.ko) that runs as part of the Linux kernel and a daemon
(novfsd) that runs in the user space. Both components must be running on the workstation for the
client to connect to the network.
The daemon can run on any of the
module, however, is dependent on the kernel version and must be compiled to match the kernel on
the workstation. When the Novell Client is installed, it compiles the kernel module during the
installation process. If this process fails, the kernel module cannot load. It attempts to recompile
when the workstation is restarted.
2.2.1 Understanding When the Virtual File System Kernel
Module Needs to Be Compiled
The following is a list of the instances when you must compile the Novell Client Virtual File System
Kernel Module (novfs.ko):
• You installed the Novell Client and received an error message. This generally occurs because
• You have previously compiled the Novell Client Virtual File System Kernel Module
12 Novell Client for Linux 1.2 Administration Guide
Because Linux uses OpenSLP, the implementation is different and the user's experience is
different. For more information, see
page 29.
available in Windows.
Guide.
all the required packages are not installed on a workstation. You must install these packages,
compile the Novell Client Virtual File System Kernel Module (novfs.ko), and restart the
workstation. See "System
for more information.
(novfs.ko) and then made changes to the kernel.
Section 4.4, "Using OpenSLP to Simplify Login," on
supported Linux platforms
Requirements" in the Novell Client for Linux Installation Quick Start
without modification. The kernel