Network and Server Basics

04/18/23 2

Learning Objectives

After viewing this presentation, you will be able to:• Understand the benefits of a client/server network.• Recognize the differences between a peer-to-peer network and a

client/server network.• Define the components of a network.• Understand the unique benefits of Microsoft® Windows® Small Business

Server 2003.

Network and Server Basics

04/18/23 3

What Is a Network?

04/18/23 4

What Is a Network?

A network is a group of computers connected to each other to share information.

Networks help businesses work smarter by allowing them to:

1. Share and protect resources.Networks centralize data so it can be shared with appropriate people while preventing access from unauthorized users. In addition, data can be backed up to protect against loss.*

2. Improve efficiency.Employees are more efficient when important files, computer programs, and Internet access are available to them all the time.

A network with remote access capability enables employees to access e-mail and other information quickly and easily whether they're in the office or on the road.*

3. Reduce costs.Networks allow many users to access one device or service, eliminating the need for extra printers, modems, and Internet accounts.

*These features are included with Windows Small Business Server 2003 and may not be offered by all server products.

Network and Server Basics

04/18/23 5

Types of Networks

04/18/23 6

Types of Networks

Peer-to-peer Networks:• Use cables to link together multiple computers and other devices

such as printers and fax machines. • Offer a simple, low-cost, easy solution for sharing files, printers, and

other devices. • Do have drawbacks: data may be lost if one computer crashes, or

access to information may not always be available if the computer is turned off.

There are two main types of networks: Peer-to-peer networks and client/server networks.

Peer-to-peer Network

Network and Server Basics

04/18/23 7

Types of Networks

Client/server Networks:

• Use a single, specialized computer (the server) as the central hub.

• Connect individual desktop PCs, laptops, printers, or mobile devices.

• Allow users to be more productive because they can share files, business applications, Internet access, and equipment.

• Decrease the risk of data loss if a PC's hard drive crashes because all information saved on the server can be backed up.

Client/server Network

Network and Server Basics

04/18/23 8

Network Components

04/18/23 9

Network Components

These components can make up a network.

Server: A specialized computer connecting multiple devices and managing shared resources

Desktops and Notebooks: Machines employees use to access the Internet and information

Network Switches: Used to connect client computers and servers together

Routers: Used to connect and manage data traffic between two networks

Cables: Used to connect workstations together and to the server

Network Interface Card: Connection point on a PC, workstation, or server that allows the computer to talk to the rest of the network

Software: Facilitates communication among the workstations and the server

Firewalls: Protect networks from unauthorized access

Network and Server Basics

04/18/23 10

The Server

What is a Server?

• A server is a specialized computer dedicated to managing shared resources.

• A server manages access to other devices such as printers, fax machines, and other computers.

• A server also manages access to files and data such as financial files, graphics, and business presentations.

Network and Server Basics

04/18/23 11

The Server Operating System

An operating system is the software that runs the server. With Windows Small Business Server 2003, you can:

Maximize employee productivity. Windows Small Business Server 2003 enables you to:

• Store, find, and share information in one centralized location.• Provide employees with an internal Web site so they can find and share documents and

collaborate on group projects.• Access information (contacts, e-mail, calendars, network files, internal Web sites,

business applications) while away from the office.

Keep your business up and running. Windows Small Business Server 2003 enables you to:

• Protect your business information by providing a secure infrastructure, including built-in firewall protection and secure remote access.

• Prevent data loss by automatically backing up company information and enabling your employees to retrieve accidentally deleted files and restore earlier versions of files.

Network and Server Basics

04/18/23 12

The Server Operating System

An operating system is the software that runs the server. With Windows Small Business Server 2003, you can:

Work while away from the office. Windows Small Business Server 2003 enables you to:

• Use Remote Web Workplace to access information on your desktops, network files, internal Web sites, and applications from any PC with Internet access.

• Use Microsoft® Office Outlook® Web Access to access e-mail, contacts, and calendars.• Access e-mail, calendars, and contact information from Windows Mobile™-based

devices.

Connect with their customers. Windows Small Business Server 2003 enables you to:

• Connect with customers more professionally by hosting your own company Web site and e-mail.

• Stay connected with customers from virtually anywhere, anytime using Windows Small Business 2003’s mobility solutions (Remote Web Workplace, Outlook Web Access, and Windows Mobile software integration).

• Streamline customer communications by providing one-to-many fax and e-mail capabilities.

Network and Server Basics

04/18/23 13

Additional Resources

04/18/23 14

Additional Resources

Network and Server Basics

More Information about Windows Small Business Server 2003

General Product Informationwww.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/default.mspx

FAQwww.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/techinfo/overview/generalfaq.mspx

How to Buy Small Business Server 2003http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/howtobuy/

Microsoft Small Business Centerhttp://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/

News and Reviewshttp://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/evaluation/news/default.mspx

Microsoft Small Business Newsletter: eNews http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/events/newsletter.mspx