Chapter 9LAN 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.

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

Software Licensing Agreements

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

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)