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Chapter 9 LAN Software and Support Systems. Topics. Main functions of OSs and NOSs Compare various NOSs Software licenses Network utility software Support devices. Introduction. Proper support of a local area network requires hardware, software, and miscellaneous support devices.
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Topics • Main functions of OSs and NOSs • Compare various NOSs • Software licenses • Network utility software • Support devices
Introduction • 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) • What is OS? • 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 …
Current NOSs • Novell Netware • Windows NT/2000/XP • Linux • Unix
Novell Netware • Version 4 - Single network login, NDS database. • Version 5 - IP protocol instead of IPX/SPX protocols. • Version 6 • 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) • 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 • Built on top of NT technology • Improved market share (>50%). • Specific versions of 2000 designed to support wide variety of system types: • 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 • 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/evaluation/features/adlist.asp
Unix • 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 • Cons
Network Software • In order to support a network operating system, may also need:
Utilities • Anti-virus software • Backup software • Crash protection software • Remote access software • Uninstall software
Internet Server Software • 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 • 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 • Software programs that allow a user to perform common computer-based functions: • Database software • Desktop publishing software • Office suites, which integrate a collection of office productivity tools • Standalone spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software
Virtually every commercial software program comes with a specific license agreement. Licensing conditions: Software installation and use Network installation Back-up copies Decompilation Typical forms: Single user single station license Single user multiple station license Interactive user license Network server license Site license Corporate license Software Licensing Agreements
LAN Support Devices • Other devices necessary for the proper support of a LAN: • Uninterruptable power supplies (UPS) • Tape drives • Printers • Media converters • Workstations (including thin client workstations)