Network Servers

4. Network 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.

Some businesses may want to use Unix. This provides excellent performance, but may need to be configured and run by an expert.

• Both Windows Server and Linux supply the features required on a general-purpose server.
• These products use different methods for sharing files and printers. But you can configure them to work with each other.
• You can also use these products to run dedicated servers (see 1.2).
• Both products allow you to connect Apple Macintosh desktop computers to your network.
• You can use both products on 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. It is best to use network management software from the moment you install your network.
• Proactive network management can significantly reduce the overall lifetime cost of owning a server.
• 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 cuts down 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 2.2).

4.5 Intranet applications need the network server to run special software to provide support for web pages and email.

Intranets provide all the features of the Internet, but contained within the company.

• This enables users to access internal information using a web browser.