There are software interrupts for handling specific requests  and  for  performing  specific  actions  (for example,  determining  memory  size).  Interrupts  can provide access to more functions (for example, DOS interrupt 2AH provides for network control functions). SOFTWARE CONFIGURATIONS All of the software that will be installed on the network will be configured for use on the system. Unfortunately, the manufacturers can’t configure the software to function properly on each and every system. It will be up to you to make configuration changes to get the optimum performance from the specific software that will be loaded on the network. These changes can include one or more of the following: l l l l l Available memory Type of peripheral (e.g., disk or tape drives, printers, etc.) Number of users Access speeds Available  disk  space Before  making  any  changes  to  the  software,  ensure that there are adequate backups available to restore the system  if  problems  are  encountered.  The  most important  thing  to  remember,  when  making  changes,  is to read the installation instructions that were supplied by the manufacturer first. NETWORK PARAMETERS If you think about the network, its performance is governed by both the hardware and software. The hardware has certain limitations that are set by the manufacturer and can’t be changed. You can’t speed up disk or memory access times, no matter what you do. The software, however, can be changed to help make the network run better. Setting Parameters Although the software is designed to run at the optimal rate, because each system is different there are some changes that can be made. Changes to these settings can allow the system to run even better, using all of its resources. Some of these setting changes include: Adjusting memory partitions Drive/directory access N u m b e r    o f    u s e r s This is by no means a complete list of possible changes that can be made; refer to the operator’s manual for your specific software for changes that can be made. Modifying Parameters The  modification  of  the  network  parameters  on your  specific  system  will  depend  on  the  software  being used. Each manufacturer sets up the software to run at optimal performance. There will be times that the network’s performance falls off because of adding additional equipment, creating the need to change the parameters.  When  the  parameters  must  be  changed, always refer to the operator’s manual for the specifics. A number of parameters can be changed to improve the network’s performance, including increasing the amount  of  memory  used  for  disk  sharing,  print spooling, and printing. By increasing the buffer used for  transferring  files  between  the  file  server  and workstations, the file server does not have to perform as many send operations and can perform other network procedures more quickly. By increasing the size of the buffer used for handling user requests, more user requests  can  be  processed  and  the  network  can  perform faster. NETWORK PORT CONFIGURATION A port is a connection on the back of the computer where you connect peripherals, switches, networks, or other devices. The port provides the electrical and physical interface between the device and the computer. There are two types of ports: l l Parallel:  A hardware connection used to send or receive a lot of data over a short distance. These ports   typically   send   eight   bits   of   data simultaneously. Serial: A hardware connection that is used to send data one bit at a time and is very good for sending information over a long distance. Port Address or Name A port address is a bus or memory address that is associated with a particular hardware port. The port 1-5