Introduction to Servers

Attend Question/ Answer MEETUP: Eli on the Vlog Channel: Beginner

Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy

Date Created: March 23, 2010

Length of Class: 52 Minutes

Tracks

Servers

Prerequisites

None

Purpose of Class

Discusses what servers are and misconceptions about them.

Topics Covered

Definition of a Server

Server Operating Systems

Server Hardware

Server Functions

Class Notes

Defining a Server

A server provides services to other computers on a network. A server can be an expensive Windows 2008 Server, or a simple Windows XP Home computer with a shared printer.

Operating System

Server Operating Systems are more stable and secure then Desktop operating Systems

Server Operating Systems and their Software are generally much more expensive then Desktop counterparts

Server Operating Systems are generally not as easy to administer as Desktop Operating Systems

Hardware

A Server can use ANY hardware to operate, but Server Hardware is made to be more reliable then desktop hardware.

Xeon Processors are standard processors used in servers

Redundant Power Supply allow one power Supply to Fail while the Server is Still Running

RAID -- Allows for a Hard Drive to fail without crashing the Server

ECC RAM is RAM that does a self test. It is more stable then regular RAM, but much more expensive.

Types of Servers

Software features -- multiple features can be on one box

Security and Authentication gives access to network resources

Print Servers share printers on a network

File Servers share files on a network

Web/ FTP Servers provide websites on a network

Mail Servers provide email routing for an organization

Database Servers store data for outside applications

Remote Access Servers allow Internet users to access the internal network. Usually a VPN connection.

Final Thoughts...

Buy what you need... Many people buy a $5000 server when all they need is a Dell bargain bin system.

Comments