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In this section, we will be simply defining
networks, servers, workstations and some different basic network types. It
is important to know this and it is pretty easy. If you already know these definitions, skip ahead to the next section.
SIMPLE DEFINITION:
"Network" - Two or more computers that can
communicate with each other.
SIMPLE DEFINITION:
"Server" - A computer that is sharing something
with (serving) another computer it is networked to, like access to a
document, a program, the Internet or a printer. To see other things that
can be shared, go to the next section, “What Can Servers Do?”
SIMPLE DEFINITION:
"Workstation" - This is a computer that is
directly used by someone to do work (or have fun). A workstation often
acts as a server when file or printer sharing is enabled. Workstations
usually run Windows 95, 98, ME, NT Workstation, 2000 Professional, or XP,
Mac OS, and rarely Linux (NOT Windows NT Server, Windows 2000 Server,
Unix, or Novel).
WHAT PEOPLE REALLY MEAN when
they say "Server", is usually "Dedicated
Server". The key difference between a dedicated server and
just any computer workstation sharing something is that a dedicated
server is not directly used by people. It is dedicated to the job of
sharing whatever it shares. A dedicated server that is connected to
the network could do a great job of sharing files without even connecting
a monitor to it, because nobody uses it directly. Dedicated Servers almost
always do a better job of serving and have more uptime than a serving
workstation. Dedicated servers usually run Linux, Windows NT Server,
Windows 2000 Server, Unix, or Novel.
| *** BUSINESS
TIP: Dedicated servers is the most common area where companies tend
to overbuy hardware. It is easy to believe that more expensive
hardware will lead to no downtime and super speeds. Both of these
are partially true, however, the server hardware is usually not the
bottleneck slowing things down and hardware failure is not the most
common cause of downtime (software, viruses, unplugged connections
and configuration problems are). You will be better off allocating
more time and resources more to making sure everything is setup safe
and efficiently, and a disaster recovery process is well thought out
and rehearsed than by overbuying hardware. |
There are two basic types of small network
setups:
1. SIMPLE DEFINITION: "Peer to Peer
Network” - A peer to peer network is a network
without a dedicated server. It is composed entirely of workstations that
can be setup to share some of their services, like printers or files.
| *** BUSINESS
TIP: This is often the best setup for networks smaller than 6-10
workstations, especially if there is light network traffic and if
internal security is not a real risk (i.e. renegade employee). If
this type of setup is used with high-speed, shared Internet, a cheap
router can replace the server and still offer some firewall
protection to the network. Remember to take future growth into
consideration. If your company may have 12 workstations next year
and you are upgrading everything now, it is usually cheaper to plan
ahead. |
2. SIMPLE DEFINITION: "Client/Server
Network” - A client/server network has a
dedicated server with workstations using whatever it is sharing. Usually
the server is put in charge of managing the network itself. It can manage
the way that workstations can communicate with the server, each other, the
Internet and other devices.
| *** BUSINESS TIP: This is the way that all
large networks are setup. Make sure to have an IT professional available
to you if your business has this type of setup. |
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