INFORMATION SHEET 1.

NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEM (NOS) FEATURES

A network operating system is a software application that provides a platform for both
the functionality of an individual computer and for multiple computers within an
interconnected network. Basically, a network operating system controls other software and
computer hardware to run applications, share resources, protects data and establishes
communication. Individual computers run client operating systems, while network systems
create the software infrastructure for wireless, local and wide area networks to function.

A network operating system (NOS)  provides services to clients over a network. Both the
client/server and peer-to-peer networking models use network operating systems, and as
such, NOSes must be able to handle typical network duties such as the following:

 Providing access to remote printers, managing which users are using which printers
when, managing how print jobs are queued, and recognizing when devices aren't available
to the network
 Enabling and managing access to files on remote systems, and determining who can
access what—and who can't
 Granting access to remote applications and resources, such as the Internet, and
making those resources seem like local resources to the user (the network is ideally
transparent to the user)
 Providing routing services, including support for major networking protocols, so that
the operating system knows what data to send where
 Monitoring the system and security, so as to provide proper security against viruses,
hackers, and data corruption.
 Providing basic network administration utilities (such as SNMP, or Simple Network
Management Protocol), enabling an administrator to perform tasks involving managing
network resources and users.

 Basic Operating Features

Network operating systems support the basic underlying operating features of
networks. These include support for processors and the various protocols that
allow computers to share data. Many network operating systems can detect
hardware within the system to allow for asset discovery within the network.
Also, network operating systems support the processing of other software
applications that run on both individual computers and within the network.
Security Features

Network operating systems support a number of security features that control access
to the network. These include authorization and permission for access to the
network, with specific control of features such as user management, log-on controls
and passwords. Systems also provide access control for features such as remote
access and network monitoring

Networking

A network operating system is the platform on which computer networking takes

place. Basic features allow for file, print and Internet connections. Data backup and
replication functions are controlled through the network operating system. The
management of connective systems for local and wide area networks (LANs and
WANs), such as routing, switches and other ports are configured and managed
through network operating system features.

Administrative Interface

One of the features of a network operating system is that it has an administrative

interface that allows a network administrator to monitor and maintain the system.
This interface will have a menu that allows the administrator to perform functions
such as formatting hard drives and setting up security protocols for both the system
and individual users. He can also and configure security and data backup
requirements for individual computers or the network as a whole.
 INFORMATION SHEET 1.2
COMPUTER SERVERS AND FUNCTIONS

A computer server is a system that attends to requests and responds over a network to provide a
network service. A server can be running on hardware or software. This means that a computer
could be a server. Sometimes, many computers could be running servers and in larger technology
companies, they have rooms dedicated just to contain the servers.

Types of computer servers

There are many types of computer servers and each type of server depends on its purpose. Certain
types of computer servers and their uses are:

Application server

An application server is usually a software framework that approaches the creation of an application
based server implementation, disregarding the functions of the application. Most application servers
have an extensive service layer model. The developer is able to access the components of the acting
application server through an API that is made by the platform. Apart from being generating web
pages, they are able to provide certain services such as load-balancing; clustering and fail over so
developers can implement the business logic. For java application servers, the server acts as a virtual
machine for running various applications. They are able to handle connections to the web client and
handle connections to the database simultaneously.
Communication servers

A communication server is a standards based, open computer server that acts as a platform for a

range of communication purposes. The servers are often carrier grade, which means that they are
extremely fast and reliable in telecommunications. Communication servers are usually the basic
platform whereby network infrastructure elements such as multimedia systems and wireless
broadband are built upon.

Some features of communication servers are firstly they are open, which means that a wide
variety of users can use them. This gives greater availability of tools to assist with developing and
integrating applications on the interface. As mentioned earlier, communication servers are also
carrier grade, this means that they are of high quality which can last for more than ten years.

Database server

A database server is a type of computer server that provides database services. Some programs or
computers rely on the client server model in order to gain access to the data base. There are two
sides to a server, the front side is where the user is requesting the data and the back side is where
the server handles storage and data analysis. Even though most of the database servers use the
same query language, they differ in structure and logic.

Game server

A game server is a computer server that handles operations of online multiplayer video games to
enable connected users to play together in real time. The server transmits data such as the
players’ input and processes them to give an accurate display of the video game.

Proxy server

A proxy server is a type of server or application that acts as a medium to handle requests from
users finding resources from other various servers. Firstly the user connects to the proxy and
requests for a service, such as a connection, access to a webpage, or a file. Most proxies help
greatly in facilitation the process of accessing information on the internet.

Sound servers
A sound server is a type of computer server that aids with audio streaming, stand alone or
network applications for playing audio files. Recently, numerous sound servers have emerged
causing a diversification problem as some servers may concentrate on features for the average
user while others may focus on providing low latency. This is a problem more for developers as
they have to accommodate different coding techniques depending on the different types of servers
used.

Thus, computer servers are essential not only for our productivity needs but for our recreational
needs as well. Without servers we would be unable to enjoy surfing the net, or easily communicate
with others.

INFORMATION SHEET 1.3

 TYPES OF NETWORK SERVICES

Types of Networks
There are several different types of computer networks. Computer networks can be characterized by
their size as well as their purpose.
The size of a network can be expressed by the geographic area they occupy and the number of
computers that are part of the network. Networks can cover anything from a handful of devices within
a single room to millions of devices spread across the entire globe.
Some of the different networks based on size are:

 Personal area network, or PAN

 Local area network, or LAN
 Metropolitan area network, or MAN
 Wide area network, or WAN

In terms of purpose, many networks can be considered general purpose, which means they are used
for everything from sending files to a printer to accessing the Internet. Some types of networks,
however, serve a very particular purpose. Some of the different networks based on their main purpose
are:

 Storage area network, or SAN

 Enterprise private network, or EPN
 Virtual private network, or VPN

Let's look at each of these in a bit more detail.

Personal Area Network

A personal area network, or PAN, is a computer network organized around an individual

person within a single building. This could be inside a small office or residence. A typical PAN would
include one or more computers, telephones, peripheral devices, video game consoles and other
personal entertainment devices.
Local Area Network

A local area network, or LAN, consists of a computer network at a single site, typically an
individual office building. A LAN is very useful for sharing resources, such as data storage and
printers. LANs can be built with relatively inexpensive hardware, such as hubs, network adapters and
Ethernet cables.

Metropolitan Area Network

A metropolitan area network, or MAN, consists of a computer network across an entire city,
college campus or small region. A MAN is larger than a LAN, which is typically limited to a single
building or site. Depending on the configuration, this type of network can cover an area from several
miles to tens of miles. A MAN is often used to connect several LANs together to form a bigger
network. When this type of network is specifically designed for a college campus, it is sometimes
referred to as a campus area network, or CAN.
Wide Area Network

A wide area network, or WAN, occupies a very large area, such as an entire country
or the entire world. A WAN can contain multiple smaller networks, such as LANs or MANs.
The Internet is the best-known example of a public WAN.

Storage Area Network

A storage area network (SAN) is a secure high-speed data transfer network that
provides access to consolidated block-level storage. An SAN makes a network of storage
devices accessible to multiple servers. SAN devices appear to servers as attached drives,
eliminating traditional network bottlenecks.

Enterprise Private Network

 An enterprise private network is a computer network that helps enterprise
companies with a number of disparate offices connects those offices to each in a secure way
over a network. An enterprise private network is mainly set up to share computer resources.

Virtual Private Network

A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology that creates a safe and encrypted
connection over a less secure network, such as the internet. VPN technology was developed
as a way to allow remote users and branch offices to securely access corporate applications
and other resources. To ensure safety, data travels through secure tunnels and VPN users
must use authentication methods -- including passwords, tokens and other unique
identification methods -- to gain access to the VPN.

INFORMATION SHEET 1.4

USER ACCESS LEVEL CONFIGURATION

INFORMATION SHEET 1.5

SETTING-UP CLIENT/USER ACCESS AND SECURITY

INFORMATION SHEET 2.1

 WEB APPLICATIONS/TECHNOLOGIES

A web application is a computer program that utilizes web browsers and web

technology to perform tasks over the Internet.

Millions of businesses use the Internet as a cost-effective communications channel. It lets them
exchange information with their target market and make fast, secure transactions. However,
effective engagement is only possible when the business is able to capture and store all the
necessary data, and have a means of processing this information and presenting the results to the
user.

Web applications use a combination of server-side scripts (PHP and ASP) to handle the storage and
retrieval of the information, and client-side scripts (JavaScript and HTML) to present information to
users. This allows users to interact with the company using online forms, content management
systems, shopping carts and more. In addition, the applications allow employees to create
documents, share information, collaborate on projects, and work on common documents regardless
of location or device

INFORMATION SHEET 2.2

 SETTING-UP AND CONFIGURING SERVERS
As your business grows and the number of employees expands there will be a growing need to use a
server to store files or run applications, such as for email.

With technologies, such as virtualization, you can have many server operating systems (OS) running
on the same physical hardware. It may seem a daunting task, but it is relatively simple and most basic
servers can be configured within an hour.

It pays to make sure the server you buy is up to date so it can take advantage of technologies such as
virtualization. The latest Intel and AMD processors have features and extensions that support quick
and easy virtualization, and allow you to squeeze every last drop of performance out of the system.

While Linux is an increasingly popular choice, this guide will concentrate on Windows Server 2012,
the latest version of the more established server software.

1 – Planning the installation

When planning the installation of the server operating system it's necessary to ensure the right
hardware is in place. Windows Server 2012 is a 64-bit operating system, so it cannot be installed on a
server running 32-bit processors.

With this latest version, there are only two versions of the operating system, Standard and
Datacenter. We are going to go with the Standard version (there is no feature difference between the
two versions, only a difference in support for hardware and guest virtual machines).

2 – Initial set-up

Assuming that an installation disc has been provided, insert the disc into the computer and switch on
the server. When prompted, press any key to boot from the disc. The files will start loading and the
next screen will show the Language dialogue box.
Select the correct language, currency and time options as well as the keyboard you wish to use. Click
on next. Then another dialogue box will show an Install Now button, click on that.

We also have to decide what type of install to make. Server Core has a minimal installation footprint
and is great for tasks where it's not necessary to use a graphical user interface (GUI) – the onscreen
'click and drag' which most of us use every day – but for the purpose of this guide, we will install the
OS with a full GUI. So click on the tick (check) box to accept the license terms and click "Next".

On the next screen you are asked to choose what type of install you want. This is a fresh install so we
will select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)"

3 – Installing
Then you will be asked where you want to install Windows. In this case, we are installing the OS on
the primary partition. (You can also use the Drive options link on the dialogue box to configure any
drives attached to the server if this is necessary.)
Then Windows will begin installing itself to your server. How long this takes will depend on your
server's specifications. Once it is completed you will be asked to provide an administrator password
for the new installation. Type in a password and click "Next".

4 – Managing the server and changing computer name

Once this is done, press Ctrl-Alt-Delete at the same time to get the login screen. Type in the
administrator password and press enter.

It is important to note here that as Server 2012 takes its design cues from Windows 8, most tasks can
also be carried out via the Start Screen, which can be accessed by pressing the Windows button on
the keyboard.
Open Server Manager by clicking on its tile. Windows Server then changes from Modern UI to
desktop mode, and the Server Manager window will appear on this desktop. In this window click on
"Configure this local server". This allows you to set up the various features you will require for your
network.

As your business grows and the number of employees expands there will be a growing need to use a
server to store files or run applications, such as for email.

With technologies, such as virtualisation, you can have many server operating systems (OS) running
on the same physical hardware. It may seem a daunting task, but it is relatively simple and most basic
servers can be configured within an hour.

It pays to make sure the server you buy is up to date so it can take advantage of technologies such as
virtualisation. The latest Intel and AMD processors have features and extensions that support quick
and easy virtualisation, and allow you to squeeze every last drop of performance out of the system.

While Linux is an increasingly popular choice, this guide will concentrate on Windows Server 2012,
the latest version of the more established server software.
5 – Configure Server IP address

If you don't use DHCP – the protocol for configuring devices connected to a network – for this server,
you have also to set a static IP address, default gateway and domain name system. To do this, this
click on "Ethernet" and the Network Connection windows will open.

Double click on the adaptor you wish to change IP addresses to bring up the Information page. Then
click on "Properties" and double-click on "Internet Protocol version 4". You can then type in all the IP
address information for the server.
6 – Managing remotely with Remote Desktop

If you put your server in a fairy inaccessible place, administrating it at the actual machine itself may
not always be possible. Setting up Remote Desktop means that you can control the server from
another computer inside or outside the office.

In Server Manager, click the Disabled link next to the Remote Desktop entry. In the Server Manager
Remote page, choose the radio button next to "Allow Remote Connections to this Computer".

To add extra users so that they can access the server, click on the "Add" button.

7 – Keeping your server updated

Updates on Windows come thick and fast, so it's a good idea to make sure that your server stays up
to date with as little input from yourself as possible.

From the Server Manager app, click on "Not Configured" next to Windows Update, following which the
Windows Update window will appear. Then click on the "Turn On Automatic Updates button. The
server will automatically begin downloading and installing updates to be applied to your machine.

You can also set this to "Download updates but let me choose whether to install them". That gives the
administrator the chance to install updates during planned downtime.

8 – Activate Windows Server 2012

Lastly, in Server Manager you can activate the server. Click on the option to do so and then enter the
product key that came with the software. Once this is done, your server is configured and ready to go.

INFORMATION SHEET 2.3

INSTALLING AND CONFIGURING MODULES/ADD-ONS
 INFORMATION SHEET 2.4
CONFIGURATION OF NETWORK SERVICES
 INFORMATION SHEET 2.5
PROCEDURES/ TECHNIQUES ON ISOLATION AND
TESTING OF PC SERVER