The term server refers to a machine
that is providing a service for other machines, e.g. A computer which shares
files on the network would be classed as a file server. For example, A Domain
Controller is classed as a server because it is providing a service for the
rest of the clients on the network. Windows 2003 can take several different server
roles. These are as follows:
File Server
A File Server stores files and
folders that are used by other machines on the network. It can hold
applications, text documents, or a user’s My Documents Folder. For
security, many shared folders are housed on file servers. A distributed file
system is housed on more than one file server for the sake of fault-tolerance
and ease of access.
A Windows XP Professional machine
may act as a limited File Server.
A Windows Server 2003 Computer can
also act as a file server for different operating systems, e.g. Apple
Macintosh.
Print Server
A Print Server is a computer that
has a printer attached to it and shares the printer for use on the network.
A Windows XP Professional Machine
can be a reasonably capable Print Server.
Application Server
Besides being a Domain Controller,
Windows Server 2003 can also be a host to many different services e.g. as a
Database Server and a Terminal Server.
Some
Common Microsoft Servers:
Microsoft Exchange allows you to
setup an e-mail server and also allows you setup a messaging and collaboration
system for your company’s network.
Microsoft SQL Server enables you to
setup up powerful database servers for your company’s network.
Microsoft ISA Server allows you to
setup an Internet Gateway/Proxy Server for your company’s network.
These applications require Windows
Server 2003. Their integration with Active Directory allows for tighter
security and easier administration.
A Database Server holds a database!
This is not just a list of information. It is structured, and dynamic. It needs
to be managed, updated, extended and secure, while at the same time being
accessible to users. A dedicated server is required for this.
Remote Administration enables an
administrator to manage a server from almost any workstation on the network
using Terminal Services. Terminal Services lets workstations use powerful
applications housed at the server as if they were installed at that
workstation.
Web Servers
A Web Server hosts and manages
websites for the Internet or an intranet. Because of the need to manage heavy
and burst-mode traffic while maintaining security, a dedicated server is
recommended.
Windows 2003 can function as a web
server using the Internet Information Services (IIS) service
Windows XP Professional ships with a
limited version of IIS which allows a workstation to host a single website.
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