NETWORK SERVERSOliver Topping (with a little help from my Mum)

Contents

What is a server? What do servers do? How can a server store settings? Where are servers used? Advantages & Disadvantages How do you contact a web server?

What is a server?

A server is a powerful computer that provides various shared on a network.

Client-Server model (ie. restaurant. Client makes request, waiter serves it)

Network servers are usually built with more powerful components that average workstations: More RAM More Disk Space More robust OS

What do Servers do?

Servers’ tasks may include: Monitoring networks Creating users Storing files and data Sending and Receiving Emails Handling printer spool queues Managing access permissions on files and

folders

How can a server store settings? Application software

may be stored on the server and sent to the workstation when required.

Programs may be stored on the workstation and only files saved to the server.

Where are servers used?

Servers are more common in businesses and schools where a large number of resources must be maintained and constantly updated.

By centrally locating all of the computers’ shared resources (printers, data storage etc.) it makes it easy for system administrators to update settings to a group of workstations, whereas otherwise they would have to update each workstation individually.

Advantages & DisadvantagesAdvantages Disadvantages

Users can access their personal settings and data from any workstation

Greater installation costs

Users can communicate with others across the network

Network manager may be required to maintain system

Data and programs can be shared

If server fails many workstations may be affected

Expensive peripherals (scanners, printers) can be shared (workstations do not need their own peripherals).

Greater threat from viruses

Data is safer as it is all saved to one location where it may be backed up

Greater security as administrator may assign access rights to users and workstations

How do you contact a web server? Up to now network servers, web servers How do you access web pages on the

internet?