Different types of computers can be connected on a network. That is, the computers can be from different manufacturers or be different models from the same manufacturer. The differences in operating systems of two or more types of computers can be bridged with communications programs.
Sometimes these programs require that another program previously be installed on the network. Other programs may require that such communications connectivity protocols as TCP/IP or Systems Network Architecture (SNA) exist on the network.
For example, with AIX versions 4.3.2 and later, AIX Fast Connect for Windows lets PC clients access AIX files and printers using native PC networking client software. PC users can use remote AIX file systems directly from their machines as if they were locally stored, and they can print jobs on printers using the AIX spool system, view available printers, and map a printer as a network printer.