Network Servers

4. Server Software

A typical network server may have several different kinds of software installed.

4.1 The two main network operating systems are Microsoft's Windows Server and Linux.

There are many types of Linux; the most common include Ubuntu, Red Hat and Debian. Some businesses may want to use Unix. This is similar to Linux.

• Both Windows Server and Linux supply the features required on a general-purpose server.
• The systems work with each other, so you can connect Windows PCs to a Linux server.
• You can use both systems with a wide range of processors and hardware.

4.2 You may need additional network management software to monitor and control everything attached to your network.

• Managing the network becomes more difficult as your network grows.
• Make sure any hardware you buy can communicate with the network management software you use.

4.3 Network versions of desktop software make it easier to manage the software.

• You install a single copy of the software on your server, which then installs it on each user's desktop computer. This makes it easier to be sure everyone is using the latest version of the software.
• Buying multiple-user licences is often cheaper than buying individual copies.

4.4 Large databases and groupware products are often supplied as client-server applications.

• This reduces network traffic. The desktop computer (the client) sends a request to the server. The request is then processed by the server and the client is sent an answer.
• This kind of software consumes a lot of computer time and often needs to be run on a dedicated server (see 1.2).

4.5 You may need additional software.

For instance:

• Intranet software enables you to host your intranet on the server.
• Mail server software lets your server take care of all incoming and outoing email.
• Security software is key. (see 5.4).