What is a Login Script?

Simply, a Login Script means a Script that has all the necessary set of instructions which is run line by line by the login interpreter whenever a user logs into the system. There are no limitations on the number of Login Scripts to be executed at a time interval. Several Login Scripts can run simultaneously, and Login Scripts can be modified based on the distinct users and which operating system is currently running on the computer.

Also, a Login Script is a form of script which consists of some guidelines or, say, instructions that are to be implemented whenever a user logs into the system and accesses the Novell eDirectory object properties such as the Novell Client for Windows and the Novell Client for Linux.

The Client for Open Enterprise Server software, formerly known as Novell Client, enhances the ability of the Windows Desktop by granting it the access to Open Enterprise Servers (OES) and to NetWare. These Clients allow the users to use various OES services according to industry standards, including network browsing, proper and secure access to the files, authentication through eDirectory and efficient network service resolution. As being a part of Micro Focus, these Clients efficiently support all the Micro Focus’s traditional Network Control Protocol (NCP).

Alike batch files, Login Scripts are implemented by the Novell LOGIN Utility.

How do Login Scripts work?

Login Scripts perform specific predefined actions whenever a user shows some response, like clicking on an object in the system. The work of Login Scripts is to respond to this response and act accordingly by connecting to the servers and fetching all the necessary data to run the application. The Login Scripts are responsible for the complete setup of the application environment and execute any supplementary programs like Windows Manager.

What does a Login Script do when a user clicks on an application?

Login Scripts handle many different tasks and perform in the following manner as soon as a user clicks on an application.

1) Login Scripts responds to the user-based actions and logs in to the application server to fetch the data. Any additional information required by the server to let the user log in, such as a password or OTP, is handled by the Login Script by asking the user to fill in the necessary details.

2) Environment variables are set by the Login Scripts as stated by the application object’s Environment Variables attribute.

3) Login Scripts are responsible for initiating any additional programs as stated by the application Object's Window Manager attribute.

4) Login Scripts handle the errors that might occur during the login stage, but if such an error arises and how to handle with it is not defined in the Login Scripts, then the user gets the overall control to deal with the scenario.

5) After performing all the tasks mentioned above and collecting the data from the application servers, Login Scripts runs the application.

What are the different uses of a Login Scripts?

As Login Scripts are the main functioning body during the login process of the user in the system, these Scripts are typically used for multiple purposes listed below.

1) Login Scripts are very useful for mapping network drives to directories. A network drive is basically used as a data storage device on a Local Access Network (LAN).

2) Like mapping network drives, Login Scripts also map search drives to directories.

3) Login Scripts play a vital role in altering the settings in the operating system.

4) Login Scripts also perform tasks such as showing any messages to the user during the login process. The messages in the Login Scripts can be modified and can be set to show up according to specific users.

5) Login Scripts are used to set Environment variables as stated by the application object’s Environment Variables attribute.

6) Login Scripts are used to display menus.

7) Login Scripts are used to run supplementary programs such as Windows Manager.

How many types of Login Scripts are there?

Login Scripts are generally of four types that are stated below.

1) Container

This is the first type of Login Scripts that is executed as soon as a user logs in. These Login Scripts are responsible for setting up the general environment in the container for all the users. Only one Container Login script can be used by the user. These Container Login Scripts are related to organizing the container environment.

2) Profile

This Profile Login Script is implemented after the execution of the Container Login Script. This Login Script basically deals with Profile objects, and each user is given a unique Profile Login Script. More than one Profile Login Script can be allocated to the user either by using the PROFILE command or from the Novell Login Window by choosing a different Profile Script.

3) User

This User Login Script is carried out after the successful execution of the Container and the Profile Login Script. This User Login Script deals with the User objects and performs the task such as prompting a user name or an email id from the user or showing up the printing options. Every user has a unique User Login Script, and this User Login Script can be altered by choosing some other User Login Script from the Novell Window.

4) Default

This Default Login Script is executed only if somehow a User Login Script goes missing. The Default Login Script holds vital commands and cannot be modified later.