If you write Clipper 5.3 or Summer '87 applications that run on LANs, you need NetLib for Clipper -- the unquestioned leader among networking libraries since its release in 1986.

NetLib extends Clipper to give you powerful multi-user capabilities on Novell NetWare, Banyan VINES, and NetBIOS networks. The readers of DataBased Advisor have voted NetLib "Best Connectivity Tool" four times!

Printer Management

With NetLib's powerful printing functions, printing from a network is almost as easy as printing from a stand-alone system.

Read and set all print capture options without running the CAPTURE command.

Manage print queues -- NetLib lets you create, query, update and delete network print jobs, making printing much more efficient and convenient. You can display queue contents within a program, specify the date and time to print, put jobs on hold, etc.

Get Print Status Reports directly from the print server. You can let users know when a document is printed, warn them if there's a mechanical problem with the printer, and so on.

Environment and NetWare Bindery Control

NetLib lets you determine important information about your network, DOS and Clipper:

• Server Name
• Physical Address
• Drive Mapping
• Device Redirection
• User ID
• User Access Rights
• Station Number
• Login/logout

NetLib gives you complete access to the information contained in the NetWare Bindery, too. You can create "pick lists" of available print queues, produce lists of users or groups (even create new ones), and much more.

Locking Functions: Beyond RLOCK and FLOCK

NetLib gives you dozens of advanced locking and query functions:

Semaphore Locks allow sophisticated operations requiring signaling between stations -- for example, locking MEM files and index key values.

Multiple Record Locks let you modify multiple records in the same file without setting a file lock or repetitive record locks. You can even lock multiple records using a standard Clipper RLOCK!

"Who Has It" Queries determine where a record or semaphore is locked or where a DBF is in use.

A "Timeout" Function keeps trying to lock a record or use a file for a specified period -- if the record is currently locked or the file is in use elsewhere, the program automatically tries again at intervals.

Data Security

NetLib gives you two powerful systems to ensure that only authorized users see sensitive information:

Dynamic Data Encryption lets you encrypt your data files with a code (up to eight characters) that must be provided in order to access the file. Since the encryption routines take place at the workstation, data is never decrypted on disk or during transmission. It's an inexpensive, nearly foolproof way to keep your data secure -- and since you only need one function call to read encrypted files (after which your program proceeds as normal), it's easy to add encryption to your existing programs!

NetLib lets you encrypt any file including MEMs, DBTs and even FOPENed files.

With Secure Net, a particular app can log a user in under a password the user doesn't know. Since the user is automatically logged out when they quit the app, they can't use this password with other programs -- so Secure Net doesn't compromise network security. This is ideal when you want users to get into certain records only through one application and restrict them the rest of the time.

Transaction Rollback

NetLib gives you an interface to Novell's Transaction Tracking System (TTS), letting you track and "roll back" incomplete transactions in the event of a system failure. Your data stays accurate.

IPX/SPX and NetBIOS Messaging

NetLib gives you advanced station-to-station messaging. Thanks to the IPX/SPX (for NetWare) and NetBIOS messaging functions, you can allow users to send messages to each other, transfer files between stations, etc.

Event Processing

NetLib lets you detect and respond to idle states, time intervals, and other events. The event processing functions let you monitor when a user leaves a station, display an on-screen running clock, or even trap those annoying network CAST messages and display them your own way!

Help

NetLib gives you all the tools you need to get up and running fast:

Documentation: NetLib's documentation has been completely revised and expanded with more examples and step-bystep explanations to help you put the features to work.

Norton Guides: Pop-up Norton Guides are available at a keystroke, giving you instant help with any NetLib function or feature.

Sample Code: NetLib comes with more than 4500 lines of sample code for common networking tasks. Use these examples in your own programs, royalty-free -- you'll save hours of coding time!

No Royalties

You can use any or all of the NetLib functions in your distributed applications royalty-free!

Return to NetLib for Clipper
NetLib for Clipper FAQ
NetLib for Clipper Function List

32-bit Versions
NetLib

NetLib functions may be distributed in your custom applications royalty-free!