ZFW controller described a very confused transition between DARC and NAS/Host operation; indicating the supervisor was unfamiliar and failed to clarify specifics of the change.

Narrative

This is a report of very poor handling of transition between the DARC & NAS/Host systems. We had been on DARC only (no FDP) for 2 hours. The supervisor in charge of the mid shift came around and announced 'We're transitioning to NAS.' After he left; we discussed that no strips confirming that FDP or RDP were up; as is standard. A few minutes later; strips print that say FDP is certified; to enter flight plans. However; DARC did not reflect this change; which should have changed to DARC/HOST. Over the next 20 minutes; there is confusion between controllers as some were using full NAS; including the uncertified RDP system; and others were still using DARC; which still showed DARC ONLY. The supervisor on duty did not take any action to clarify the situation; and trying to clarify it with other controllers only led to arguments. Some controllers insisted that we should be operating on NAS; and others were still trying to use DARC with separate FDP via URET. It was a very confusing situation; and should have been handled much better. This is a routine transition. Recommendation; supervisor on duty needs to better understand the differences between DARC ONLY; DARC/HOST; FDP; RDP; NAS and how to correctly coordinate with controllers on when to transition between the systems. Clear communication on what system we should be using is vital.