LAB # 1

BAHRIA UNIVERSITY KARACHI CAMPUS

Department of Computer Science

SYSTEMS AND NETWORK ADMINISTRATION (LAB)

STUDENT NAME STUDENT ID

LAB-1: Foundation concepts, Server hardware & OS,

System Administration
OBJECTIVE
o Review the role of server hardware, Server Operating Systems and Applications in client server
network models

SERVER HARDWARE, SERVER OPERATING SYSTEM AND APPS

Server hardware and regular hardware differ primarily in their design, capabilities, and intended use. Server
hardware is built for reliability and handling many users at once, unlike desktops designed for a single user.
Servers are like workhorses: powerful, dependable, and often rack-mounted to save space in data centers.
They have features like redundant power supplies and error-correcting memory to keep running smoothly.
While desktops are great for everyday tasks, servers are the muscle behind websites, applications, and large
data storage.

 Server OS: Built for reliability, security, and managing many users at once. Imagine a tireless worker
ensuring everything runs smoothly in the background. Think features like user management, strong
security, and handling heavy workloads.

 Client OS: Designed for a single user's ease of use. Think user-friendly interfaces, web browsing, and
running everyday programs. Security features are there, but not as heavy-duty as on a server.

 Server Apps: Prioritize reliability, security, and performance to handle heavy workloads and ensure
continuous operation. Live on a server and provide services or manage resources for multiple clients
on a network. Primarily interact with other applications or client applications. They don't require a
fancy graphical user interface (GUI) and often rely on command-line interfaces (CLI) for efficiency.

 Client Apps: Focus on user experience, ease of use, and specific functionalities relevant to the user's
needs. They provide a user interface for interaction and allow users to perform specific tasks.
Designed for user interaction and provide a user-friendly GUI for easy navigation and task
completion. Features like menus, buttons, and drag-and-drop functionality are common.

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PEER TO PEER VS CLIENT SERVER NETWORK ARCHITECTURE

Peer-to-peer (P2P) and client-server architectures are two fundamental models used in networking and
distributed computing. They differ in how they organize communication and resource sharing among devices
on a network.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Architecture:

1. Decentralized Network There is no central server or authority controlling the network.

2. Resource Sharing: Peers directly communicate and share resources (such as files, processing power,
or bandwidth) with each other without relying on a centralized server.

Client-Server Architecture:

1. Centralized Model: In a client-server architecture, there is a clear distinction between client devices
and server devices. Clients request services or resources, and servers provide those services or
resources.

2. Client-Server Interaction: Clients initiate communication with servers to request resources or

services. Servers listen for client requests and respond accordingly. Servers typically have more
resources and processing power than clients.

3. Resource Management: Servers manage and control the shared resources, such as files, databases,
or applications, while clients consume these resources by making requests.

4. Examples: Websites hosted on web servers, email services using SMTP and POP/IMAP servers, and
online gaming platforms with centralized game servers are examples of client-server architectures.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture involves decentralized communication among equal-status devices (peers)
for resource sharing, without a central server. P2P networks are highly scalable and resilient but may face
security challenges.

Client-server architecture is centralized, with clients requesting services/resources from dedicated servers. It
offers centralized resource management, scalability through additional servers, and enhanced security
measures.

ROLE OF WINDOWS SERVERS IN CLIENT-SERVER NETWORK MODELS

Windows Server plays a crucial role in client-server networks, particularly in environments where Microsoft
technologies are predominant. Here are some key roles and functions of Windows Server in client-server
networks:

1. Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS): Windows Server provides AD DS, which centralizes
network management and enables the creation of a domain-based network environment. It

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authenticates and authorizes all users and computers in a Windows domain, providing a unified login
and security mechanism.

2. File and Print Services: Windows Server offers file and print services that allow centralized storage
and sharing of files and printers across the network. Administrators can set up shared folders,
control access permissions, and manage printer queues efficiently.

3. Domain Name System (DNS): Windows Server includes DNS services, which resolve domain names
to IP addresses, facilitating network communication and resource access. DNS plays a crucial role in
Active Directory environments for domain name resolution.

4. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP): Windows Server can function as a DHCP server,
automatically assigning IP addresses and other network configuration settings to client devices on
the network. This simplifies network administration and ensures efficient IP address management.

5. Remote Access Services: Windows Server provides various remote access services, such as Virtual
Private Network (VPN) connectivity, Remote Desktop Services (RDS), and DirectAccess (now replaced
by Always On VPN), enabling secure remote access to network resources for users working from
remote locations.

6. Web Server (Internet Information Services - IIS): Windows Server includes IIS, a powerful web
server platform that hosts websites and web applications. IIS supports various web technologies,
such as ASP.NET, PHP, and CGI, making it suitable for hosting dynamic web content.

7. Application Server: Windows Server can host various server-side applications, including Microsoft
SQL Server for database management, Microsoft Exchange Server for email services, SharePoint
Server for collaboration, and more. It provides a stable and reliable platform for running enterprise
applications.

8. Group Policy: Windows Server offers Group Policy functionality, allowing administrators to centrally
manage and enforce security settings, configurations, and policies across the network. Group Policy
ensures consistency and compliance with organizational standards.

9. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Windows Server includes built-in backup and recovery features, such
as Windows Server Backup, Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), and Windows Server Failover
Clustering, ensuring data protection and high availability of critical services.

Overall, Windows Server plays a central role in client-server networks by providing essential services for
network infrastructure, authentication, resource sharing, remote access, web hosting, application
deployment, and centralized management. Its comprehensive feature set makes it a popular choice for
organizations of all sizes seeking a reliable and secure server platform.

SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION
System administration, often abbreviated as sysadmin, refers to the management and maintenance of
computer systems, networks, servers, and related infrastructure within an organization. System
administrators, or sysadmins, are responsible for ensuring the proper functioning, security, and availability
of IT resources to support the organization's operations and objectives. Here are some key aspects of system
administration:

1. Installation and Configuration: Sysadmins install, configure, and deploy hardware, operating
systems, software applications, and network components according to organizational requirements
and best practices.

2. Maintenance and Monitoring: Sysadmins perform routine maintenance tasks, such as applying
software updates, patches, and security fixes, monitoring system performance and resource usage,
and troubleshooting issues to ensure the reliability and performance of IT systems.
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3. Security Management: Sysadmins implement security measures to protect IT assets from
unauthorized access, data breaches, malware, and other security threats. This includes managing
user accounts, permissions, access controls, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and
antivirus software.

4. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Sysadmins develop and implement backup and disaster recovery
plans to safeguard critical data and ensure business continuity in the event of hardware failures,
natural disasters, or other unforeseen incidents. This involves regular backups, testing backup
procedures, and restoring systems in case of emergencies.

5. User Support and Training: Sysadmins provide technical support and assistance to end-users,
helping them troubleshoot hardware and software issues, resolve technical problems, and use IT
resources effectively. They may also conduct training sessions or create documentation to educate
users about IT systems and best practices.

6. Performance Optimization: Sysadmins optimize system performance and resource utilization by

tuning system configurations, optimizing network settings, and implementing performance
monitoring tools to identify and address bottlenecks or inefficiencies.

7. Capacity Planning: Sysadmins analyze current and future needs to determine the capacity
requirements for IT infrastructure, such as storage, processing power, and network bandwidth. They
plan and implement upgrades or expansions to ensure scalability and accommodate growing
demands.

8. Compliance and Policy Enforcement: Sysadmins ensure compliance with regulatory requirements,
industry standards, and organizational policies related to IT security, data privacy, and system usage.
They enforce security policies, conduct audits, and implement controls to mitigate risks and maintain
compliance.

Overall, system administration encompasses a broad range of responsibilities aimed at managing, securing,
and optimizing IT infrastructure to support the organization's business objectives effectively. Sysadmins play
a crucial role in maintaining the integrity, availability, and security of IT systems, contributing to the overall
efficiency and success of the organization.

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