Transcript Chapter 9

Chapter 9
LAN Software and
Support Systems
Topics
Main functions of OSs and NOSs
 Compare various NOSs
 Software licenses
 Network utility software
 Support devices
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Introduction
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Proper support of a local area network requires
hardware, software, and miscellaneous support
devices.
A network operating system is the most
important software component.
Application programs are also required to
support users on a LAN.
Support devices such as hubs, switches,
routers, servers, modems, power supplies, and
more are also necessary.
Operating Systems (OS)
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What is OS?
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A software that manages other application programs and
resources in a computer system
What can an OS do?
Network Operating Systems (NOS)
A network operating system is a large,
complex program that manages the
resources common on most local area
networks.
 Besides performing standard operating
system functions, a network operating
system is called upon for additional
functions, such as …
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Current NOSs
 Novell
Netware
 Windows NT/2000/XP
 Linux
 Unix
Novell Netware
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Version 4 - Single network login, NDS database.
Version 5 - IP protocol instead of IPX/SPX protocols.
Version 6
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Any client anywhere on the Internet can print and use storage
services from a NetWare 6 server without loading a single byte
of Novell’s Client32 software
Powerful Internet printing services (iPrint) – GUI interface,
automatic driver installation
iFolder – Very effective background application powered by
Apache Web Server to “equalize” the documents in each
system’s My Documents folder with an identical set on the
server.
Volumes can hold 8 terabytes of data in up to 8 trillion files and
can keep 1 million files open concurrently.
Novell NDS (NetWare Directory
Services)
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A database that maintains information on, and
access to, every resource on the network
A hierarchical tree structure that represents the
layout of the organization.
Tree structure is composed of organizational
units which are composed of further objects, and
leaf objects which are not composed of further
objects.
Windows 2000
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Built on top of NT technology
Improved market share (>50%).
Specific versions of 2000 designed to support wide
variety of system types:
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Windows 2000 Professional - replaces NT Workstation
Windows 2000 Server - replaces Windows NT Server
Windows 2000 Advanced Server – supports up to 8 processors
and 8GB RAM
Windows 2000 Datacenter Server - supports up to 32 processors
and 64GB RAM
Windows 2000
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Biggest change from NT: Active Directory
The AD is the central repository for all objects
that make up the enterprise: domains,
organizational units, users, groups, computers,
printers, etc.
Implemented as a LDAP server
See details from
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/server/e
valuation/features/adlist.asp
Unix
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Older but very popular multitasking operating
system capable of supporting network
operations.
First operating system written in the language C.
Very stable system capable of supporting large
operations.
Very Secure
Mostly command-driven, lack of GUI interface
Numerous versions available from different
vendors.
Linux
Operating system based on the principles
of Unix
 Prons
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Cons
Network Software
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In order to support a network operating
system, may also need:
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Utilities
Anti-virus software
 Backup software
 Crash protection software
 Remote access software
 Uninstall software
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Internet Server Software
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Software necessary to support the server side of
Internet connections.
Retrieves web pages and other documents
when asked to by a client workstation.
Can interface with a database program allowing
users to store and retrieve data via the Internet.
Popular web server software
 Apache,
TomCat, JBoss, BEA WebLogic
Programming Tools
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Software environments that allow programmers
to create programs.
Includes software tools such as compilers and
interpreters.
Software also allows individuals to edit, debug
and test programs.
E.g. C/C++, Java, COBOL, Perl, VB, .Net, etc.
Applications
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Software programs that allow a user to perform
common computer-based functions:
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Database software
 Desktop publishing software
 Office suites, which integrate a collection of office
productivity tools
 Standalone spreadsheet, word processing, and
presentation software
Software Licensing Agreements
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Virtually every
commercial software
program comes with a
specific license
agreement.
Licensing conditions:
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Software installation and
use
Network installation
Back-up copies
Decompilation
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Typical forms:
 Single user single
station license
 Single user multiple
station license
 Interactive user license
 Network server license
 Site license
 Corporate license
LAN Support Devices
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Other devices necessary for the proper support
of a LAN:
Uninterruptable power supplies (UPS)
Tape drives
Printers
Media converters
Workstations (including thin client workstations)