Introducing Server Roles Flashcards
File services…
A file server allows you to centrally locate files to be accessed by multiple people. Because the files are centrally located, it is easier for multiple users to access and find files (assuming they are organized well) and it is easier to back up these files. When using Microsoft Windows to provide file sharing, you will usually be using Server Message Block (SMB) to access Microsoft Shares or shared folders. Windows Servers can also provide NFS shares for Unix/Linux users.
Printer services…
Multiple users can access a centrally located printer using print services, which means that you may share an expensive heavy-duty, or fast, printer that supports advanced options such as color. Printers can be accessed as a network printer that is connected directly to the network or through a Microsoft Windows server (again using SMB).
Web services…
Because the Internet has become more prevalent in today’s business applications, so has the use of web services. Using a web server to provide web services means that users can access web pages using their browsers. These web services may be used to do research, provide leads for sales, allow customers to purchase goods and services, and provide customer support over the Internet. Web services may also be used to provide an easy method to access databases, run reports, track sales leads, provide customer support, and even help you with payroll and human resources. Because you are using a standard browser such as Internet Explorer, you will be using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or HTTP Secure (HTTPS) protocols. Microsoft provides web services using Internet Information Services (IIS).
Remote access…
Remote access is a service that supports multiple inbound requests in connecting to the server or network. It can provide terminal services so that multiple users can log on to a server remotely and access a desktop, start menu, and programs as if they were sitting in front of the server. On the other hand, remote access can also provide network access over the Internet using a virtual private network (VPN), which allows a user to be at home and yet have full access to their internal network resources such as email and data files.
Application servers…
The application server role provides an integrated environment for deploying and running server-based business applications. In other words, the server delivers networked applications. When you access a file from a shared folder, your PC does all of the work; in this case, the server will also do some of the processing.
Email server…
One commonly used application server that is essential for most corporations is the mail server. The mail server is a server that stores and manages electronic messages (email) among users. If you are using Microsoft email products, you will be using Microsoft Exchange to act as your mail server, and you would most likely access the email using Microsoft Outlook or a web browser.
Monitoring servers & Threat management servers…
Monitoring servers and threat management servers, are not com- monly known servers but are essential within any organization. Since many organizations have large or complex networks and multiple servers, you will most likely need one or more moni- toring servers to help you monitor servers that provide the necessary services to your users and customers. With monitoring servers, you should use threat management servers to monitor your network and servers for intruders or other security breaches.
