# Net8 Assistant

A graphical user interface tool that combines configuration abilities with component control to provide an integrated environment for configuring and managing Net8. It can be used on either the client or server.

You can use the Net8 Assistant to configure the following network components:

- Naming--Define connect identifiers and map them to connect descriptors to identify the network location and identification of a service. Net8 Assistant supports configuration of connect descriptors in a local tnsnames.ora file, centralized LDAP-compliant directory server, or an Oracle Names server.

- Naming Methods--Configure the different ways in which connect identifiers are resolved into connect descriptors.
- Listeners--Create and configure listeners to receive client connections.

If an Oracle Names server is configured, you start, stop, tune, or gather statistics for it with the Net8 Assistant.

To start the Net8 Assistant:

- On UNIX, run `netasst` at `$ORACLE_HOME/bin`.

- On Windows NT, choose Start > Programs > Oracle - HOME_NAME > Network Administration > Net8 Assistant.