CONFIGURING AND

ADMINISTERING SERVER
INFORMATION SHEET

Learning Outcomes:
Confirm server specification.
Verify server compatibility and inter-
operability.
Configure and test server.

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

LO1: Confirming Server Specification

Objectives:
After completing this Learning outcome the
trainee should be able to:
 Identify Network operating system, server
applications and server design based on
client need.
 Identify Server Specifications
 Identify Server Technology and resource
within business requirements and budget.
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1.1 Definition and Characteristics of Network Operating system

What is Network Operating System(NOS)?
 A networking operating system (NOS) is the software that runs
on a server computer and enables the server to manage data,
users, groups, security, applications, and other networking
functions.
 The network operating system is designed to allow shared file
and printer access among multiple computers in a network,
typically a local area network (LAN), a private network or to other
networks.
 Network Operating Systems are based on
a client/server architecture in which a server enables multiple
clients to share and access resources.
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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

Continued…
 Basic functions of Network Operating:
 Centrally manage network resources, such as programs, data and devices.
 Secure access to a network.
 Allow remote users to connect to a network.
 Allow users to connect to other networks like the Internet.
 Back up data and ensure its availability.
 Supports multiple user accounts at the same time and enables concurrent
access to shared resources by multiple clients.
 Allow for simple additions of clients and resources.
 Monitor the status and functionality of network elements.
 Distribute programs and software updates to clients.
 Ensure efficient use of a server's capabilities.

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Continued…
 Differences between Network and Desktop OS

Network Operating System Desktop Operating System

■ Supports multiple users ■ Supports a single user
■ Runs multiuser applications ■ Runs single-user applications
■ Shares files and folders on a large ■ Shares files and folders on a small
network with high security. network with limited security
■ Designed for a corporate ■ Designed for a small office/home
environment serving multiple users office (SOHO) with a limited
with a wide range of needs . number of users
■ Support large number of users.

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

Types of Network Operating System

I. Windows Network Operating System
 Windows server-based networks run based on the
concept of the Active Directory.
 Active Directory is a database of information about
resources on the network, such as computers, users, shared
folders, and printers.
 Every Resources in Active Directory must belong to a
domain.
 A domain is a group of computers and users that serves as
a boundary of administrative authority.
 Examples: Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server
2008 NOS.
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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

Types of Network Operating System

II. Linux Operating System
 Linux is an operating system similar to UNIX.
The following are a few of the most popular types:
Red Hat Linux
Linux Mandrake
Caldera Desktop and Server
Debian GNU/Linux
Corel Linux
Turbo Linux

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

Linux Clients
Windows clients can
access Linux servers without
client software if the UNIX
servers run Samba, which is
a program that uses the
Server Message Block
(SMB) application layer
protocol.
 Windows computers use
SMB for file access across
the network.
 Samba permits them to
see the Linux file system.
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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

Figure 1. Network Operating System Platform

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Choosing a NOS
The main features to consider when selecting
a NOS include:
Performance
Management and monitoring tools
Security
Scalability
Robustness/fault tolerance

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1.2. Identify Server Specifications

What is Server?
 Servers is large system with higher processing speed ,
memory and hard disk capacity whose role in a network is to
provide services and resources to users over a local network or
the Internet.
In a large network environment, servers may have one or more
specific roles in a network, depending on the number of users,
volume of traffic, number of peripherals, and so on
 Computer that functions as servers within a domain can have
one of two roles, Domain Controller or Member Server.

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER
Role of Server:
 Domain Controller is the authentication server or security server validate
users for logging on and accessing network resources.
 Member servers is a computer that provides specific function. Such as :-
 File and print servers provide users with centralized locations for storing files and
accessing print devices.
 Web servers can be used to host anything from static Hypertext Markup Language
(HTML) pages to commercial Web applications such as online storefronts. IIS is an
ideal platform for developing Web-based applications using Active Server Pages
(ASP) technology.
 Application servers are used as the back end in a client/server environment. An
example of an application server is Microsoft Exchange Server, which functions as
the back end of a client/server messaging system that includes Microsoft Outlook as
the front-end user interface.

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER
Server-based network
 A network in which network security and storage are managed
centrally by one or more servers.
How It Works
 In a server-based network, special computers called servers
handle network tasks such as authenticating users, storing files,
managing printers, and running applications such as database and
e-mail programs.
 Security is generally centralized in a security provider, which
allows users to have one user account for logging on to any
computer in the network.
 Because files are stored centrally, they can be easily secured
and backed up.
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Figure 2. Server-based network environment

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Continued…
 Server-based networks are more costly and complex to set up and
administer than peer-to-peer networks, and they often require the services of a
full-time network administrator.
 They are ideal for businesses that are concerned about security and file
integrity and have more than 10 computers.
 Microsoft Windows server 2003 and Windows server 2008 are ideal
operating systems for server-based networks.
 They offer centralized network administration, networking that is easy to set
up and configure, NTFS file system security, file and print sharing, user profiles
that allow multiple users to share one computer or allow one user to log on to
many computers, Routing and Remote Access for supporting mobile users, and
Internet Information Services (IIS) for establishing an intranet or Internet
presence.

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

Continued…
Setting up a server-based network requires more resources
than peer-to-peer.
Such as:
A special computer to be used only as network server.
Network Operation System
A trained Administrator’s staff to over see network operations.

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

Client Requirements issues

 One of the first and most important activities to get on when
confirming server specifications is to confirm client needs and to
ensure that they acknowledge that requirements have been
captured correctly.
 So one of the tasks in confirming client needs is to document
the requirements.
This may include identifying or clarifying
 The business case
Level of services they need
 Maintenance and backup requirements
 Bandwidth issues
 The nature of the data (eg text, multimedia)
 Security needs (Eg levels of user access and privileges)
 Available support resources
Cost or budget.
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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

Continued…
 Once requirements have been defined and client needs are
clarified, it’s time to start thinking about identifying products that
fit the solution.
In this case, we need to focus on the possible server solutions.
Remember: a server consists of
Hardware
Software
Network connections.

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER
Server Specification
 Server specifications provide detailed information of hardware and
software of your server.
 Detailed information about server hardware is available from the
server documentation and from the hardware manufacturer’s website.
 At a minimum, the server vendor will have a component list detailing
what hardware is in the server.
 Information technology is constantly changing and improving at a
high speed. Common hardware technologies are
Processors
Random access memory
Storage
Optical drive.

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

Continued…
 processor — ensure motherboard support for new CPU is
available
memory — ensure type and size is compatible with the
motherboard
Hard drives and optical drives — ensure that there is an
available drive bay, power cable and interface connection.
 Expansion cards — ensure that there is a suitable expansion slot
for installation of the expansion card.

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER
Hardware Specifications Examples of Server Specifications:
Server Model: DELL PowerEdge 860
Processor : Intel Dual Core Xeon Pro 3050 2.13GHz
Memory : DDR2 8 GB ECC Registered
Hard drive : 500 GB S-ATA II
Case Type : Rack Mount 1 U
: 2 LAN Port (2 Gigabit port)
Cache and FSB: 2MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB
Dual Channel Memory , ECC Supported
Software Specifications
Operating System: Windows Server 2003/2008 X-86 based OS
Installed Applications:
 MS Office 2007/2010 (32-bit version)*
 Apache 2.0 WebServer
 SQL Server 2008/MySQL5, PHP5, CGI, Perl, SSI
 POP3, SMTP, IMAP, Webmail
 Symantec AntiVirus
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Self check Questions on LO1
1. Define Network Operating System (NOS)? Describe some basic functions
of it.
2. Compare differences between Network Operating System and Desktop
Operating System
3. Explain the difference between Windows NOS and Lunix/Unix NOS. Give
example NOS for each.
4. What are the main factors you need to consider when selecting a Network
Operating System?
5. What is Server? List some of the functions of it.
6. Explain how a Server-based network work?
7. Setting up a server-based network requires more resources than peer-to-
peer. List these requirements.
8. What is Server Specification? What hardware components you need to
confider when identifying server specification?
9. Why you need to consider the client need during identifying server
specification? 22
COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

LO2: Verifying server compatibility

and inter-operability
Objectives:
After completing this Learning outcome the student
should be able to:
Review Hardware and software compatibility
Install Required operating system and software

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER
2.1 Review Hardware and software compatibility
2.1.1 Computer compatibility
 A family of computer models is said to be compatible if certain
software that runs on one of the models can also be run on all
other models of the family.
 The computer models may differ in performance, reliability or
some other characteristic. These differences may affect the
outcome of the running of the software.
What is Software compatibility?
 Software compatibility can refer to the compatibility that
particular software has running on a particular CPU architecture
such as Intel or PowerPC.
 It can also refer to ability for the software to run on a particular
operating system.
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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

Continued…
 Very rarely is compiled software compatible with multiple different CPU
architectures.
 Normally, an application is compiled for different CPU architectures and
operating systems to allow it to be compatible with the different system.
 Interpreted software, on the other hand, can normally run on many different
CPU architectures and operating systems if the interpreter is available for the
architecture or operating system.
 Software incompatibility occurs many times for new software released for a
newer version of an operating system which is incompatible with the older
version of the operating system because it may miss some of the features and
functionality that the software depends on.
 Software that works on older versions of an operating system is said to be
backwards compatible.

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER
What is Hardware Compatibility?
 Hardware compatibility can refer to the compatibility of computer
hardware components with a particular CPU architecture, bus,
motherboard or operating system.
 Hardware that is compatible may not always run at its highest
stated performance, but it can nevertheless work with legacy
components.
 An example is RAM chips, some of which can run at a lower (or
sometimes higher) clock rate than rated.
 Hardware that was designed for one operating system may not
work for another, if device or kernel drivers are unavailable.
 For example, much of the hardware for Mac OS X is proprietary
hardware with drivers unavailable for use in operating systems such
as Linux.
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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

2.2 Installing Server operating system and software

Preplanning and Preparing a Server Installation
 Before you begin the actual installation of Windows Server
2003, you must make several decisions Such as:
 Verifying Minimum Hardware Requirements
 Determining the Type or Role of Server to Install
 Gathering the Information Necessary to Proceed
Such as :
 Computer Name
 Domain Name
 IP Address
 How well you plan these steps will determine how successful
your installation is.
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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

Verifying Minimum Hardware Requirements

 To be used efficiently, all computer software needs certain
hardware components such as CPU Speed, RAM and Hard disk
capacity to be present on a computer. These prerequisites are
known as (Hardware) system requirements.
 The first step of the installation is verifying that your hardware
meets the system requirements.
 Most software defines two sets of system requirements: minimum
and recommended system requirements.
 Minimum system requirements are the minimum hardware
requirements needed to run a software .
 For the sake of performance, you should usually stay away from
the minimum requirements and stick to the recommended settings
(or better).
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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER
The following table lists system recommendations for
Windows Server 2003 (32-bit)
Requirement Standard Edition Enterprise Edition
Minimum CPU Speed 133 MHz 133 MHz for x86-based computers
733 MHz for Itanium-based computers*

Recommended CPU Speed 550 MHz 733 MHz

Minimum RAM 128 MB 128 MB

Recommended RAM 256 MB 256 MB

Maximum RAM 4 GB 32 GB for x86-based computers

512 GB for Itanium-based computers*

Multiprocessor Support ** Up to 4 Up to 8
Hard Disk Space for Setup 1.5 GB 1.5 GB for x86-based computers
2.0 GB for Itanium-based computers*

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 Determining the Type or role of Server to install

 You have the choice of making your server a domain controller
(DC), a member server, or a standalone server.
 After you determine the tasks the server will perform, you can
determine the role you will assign to it.
 Domain controllers and member servers play a role in a new or
existing domain.
 Standalone servers are not joined to a particular domain. They can
be joined to the domain to become member servers.
 Using the DCPromo utility, you can promote member servers to
domain controllers. And, by uninstalling the Active Directory
service from a domain controller, you can return it to member
server status.

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

 Gathering the Information Necessary to Proceed

 During the installation of Windows Server 2003, you will have to tell the
Setup Wizard how you want your server configured.
 The wizard will take the information you provide and will configure the
server settings to meet your specifications.
 Taking the time to gather the information described in the following sections
before starting your installation will likely make your installation go faster
and easier.
 Selecting the Computer Name
Each computer on a network must have a name that is unique within that network.
Many companies have a standard naming convention for their servers and workstations.
 Defining Name of the Workgroup or Domain
 During the server installation, the Setup Wizard will ask for the name of the
workgroup or domain that the server will be joining. You can either enter the name of an
existing organizational structure or enter a new name, creating a new workgroup or
domain.
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 Determining IP Address of (Network Protocol) the Server

 When installing Windows Server 2003, you must install and
configure a network protocol that will allow it to communicate
with other machines on the network.
 Currently, the most commonly used protocol is called TCP/IP,
which stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.
This protocol allows computers throughout the Internet to
communicate.

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

After you install the TCP/IP protocol, you need to configure an

IP address for the server. You can choose one of the following
three methods to assign an IP address:
1. Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA)—
 APIPA can be used if you have a small network that does not
have a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server,
which is used for dynamic IP addresses.
 The address always starts with 169.254 and is in the format
169.254.x.x. Note that if an APIPA is in use, and a DHCP
server is brought up on the network, the computer will detect
this and will use the address that is assigned by the DHCP
service instead.

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

2. Dynamic IP address—
 A dynamic IP address is assigned by a DHCP server. This
allows a server to assign IP addresses and configuration
information to clients. Some examples of the information that
is distributed include IP address, subnet mask, default
gateway, domain name system (DNS) server address, and
Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS) server address.
• As the dynamic portion of the name suggests, this address is
assigned to the computer for a configurable length of time,
known as a lease. When the lease expires, the workstation
must again request an IP address from the DHCP server. It may
or may not get the same address that it had previously.
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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

Continued…
 Although servers and workstations can both be configured to use
this method of addressing, it is generally used for workstations
rather than servers.
3. Static IP address—
 Using a static IP address is the most common decision for a
server configuration. By static, we mean that the address will not
change unless you change the configuration of the server.
 This point is important because clients and resources that need to
access the server must know the address to be able to connect to it.
If the IP address changed regularly, connecting to it would be
difficult.
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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER
Installing Windows Server 2003 Operating System
 If you have installed Microsoft operating systems before, you will
be familiar with the look and feel of the Windows server 2003
installation process.
 The familiar blue background with white text is still there for the
first half of the installation and, for the most part, the questions are
the same.
 You still have to press F8 to accept the license agreement, but
unlike with some older versions, you aren’t required to page down to
read the whole thing first anymore.
 The next step is to set up the hard drive and partitions you want to
install to.
 Although the process is similar to previous versions, you have
some new options to choose from.
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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER
Continued…
 Follow the instructions to prepare and select your desired partition
for installation.
Formatting the Partition
Quick Formatting or Regular Formatting
 FAT or NTFS
 Customizing Regional and Language Options
 Personalizing the Software
 Inserting a Product Key
 Selecting Licensing Modes
 Setting Computer Name and Administrator Password
Choosing Your Computer Name
Selecting an Administrator Password
 Modifying Date and Time Settings
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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER
Continued…
 Modifying Network Settings
Typical Settings
Custom Settings
 Joining a Workgroup or Computer Domain
 Completing the Installation
 Logging In
 Activating Windows Server 2003
Upgrading to Windows Server 2003
 When upgrading to Windows Server 2003, all your configuration
settings are retained from the previous installation. However, you still
should complete several very important tasks before you perform the
upgrade.
Backing Up the Server
Verifying System Compatibility
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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

2.2 Installing Server operating system and software

Preplanning and Preparing a Server Installation

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

2.2 Installing Server operating system and software

Preplanning and Preparing a Server Installation

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

2.2 Installing Server operating system and software

Preplanning and Preparing a Server Installation

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COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER
LO3: Configuring and test server
Objectives:
After completing this Learning outcome the student
should be able to:
Configure Server
Define scope and applicability
Test against Technical requirement
Developing Test plan
Resources and network impact
Running System Test

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3.1 Configuring Server

3.1.1 Configuring the Active Directory
Active Directory (AD) Architectural Overview
What Is Active Directory?
 Active Directory is a database of information about resources on the
network, such as computers, users, shared folders, and printers. It is
also a service that makes this information available to users and
applications.
 Windows Server 2003 with Active Directory provides the
following benefits
 Authentication and authorization service
 Single sign-on across multiple servers and services
 Centralized management of servers and client computers
 Centralized administration of users and computers
 Centralized management of network reso 44
COMPETENCE 3: CONFIGURING AND ADMINISTERING SERVER

2.2 Installing Server operating system and software

Preplanning and Preparing a Server Installation

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