This manual provides the background that non-technical business people and networking beginners need in order to understand the hardware, software and operational concepts of PC-based computer networks. The material focuses on practical issues associated with networking, and actual step-by-step operations using Windows NT Workstation or Windows NT Server illustrate the process of completing specific tasks. Theory and internals of networks and operating systems is held to a minimum. The text assumes that readers have had no prior exposure to computers. By the end of the book, readers should have the information necessary to understand what is required to create and maintain a computer network in their business, and to make the appropriate network hardware and software decisions to achieve specific business goals.