1. Let’s assume you are a system admin of Hawassa University.

Your organization would like to

purchase 100 laptops for running powerful software like graphics and animation software. So,
they inquire you to prepare a specification to buy latest laptop. As a system admin, how do you
prepare a specification to buy latest laptops?

To prepare a specification for purchasing 100 laptops suitable for running powerful graphics and
animation software, you should consider the following key components and features:

1. Processor (CPU)

 Type: Intel Core i7 or i9, AMD Ryzen 7 or 9

 Cores: Minimum 6 cores, preferably 8 or more

 Clock Speed: 2.6 GHz or higher

2. Graphics Card (GPU)

 Type: Dedicated GPU

 Model: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or higher, AMD Radeon RX 6700M or higher

 VRAM: Minimum 6 GB

3. Memory (RAM)

 Capacity: Minimum 16 GB, preferably 32 GB or more

 Type: DDR4 or DDR5

4. Storage

 Type: SSD (Solid State Drive)

 Capacity: Minimum 1 TB

 Additional: Option for additional storage (HDD or SSD)

5. Display

 Size: 15.6 inches or larger

 Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080) or higher, preferably 4K (3840 x 2160)

 Panel Type: IPS or OLED for better color accuracy

6. Connectivity

 Ports: USB 3.0/3.1, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, SD card reader

 Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0

7. Battery Life

 Capacity: Minimum 6 hours under heavy use

8. Build Quality

 Material: Durable chassis, preferably metal

 Keyboard: Backlit keyboard

 Cooling: Efficient cooling system to handle intensive tasks

9. Operating System

 Type: Windows 11 Pro or macOS (depending on preference and software compatibility)

10. Warranty and Support

 Warranty: Minimum 3 years

 Support: On-site support and service options

Example Models

• Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023): M2 Pro or M2 Max chip, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, Retina
display1.

• Dell XPS 15: Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, 4K display2.

• Razer Blade 15: Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, Full HD display

These specifications ensure that the laptops will be capable of handling demanding graphics and
animation software efficiently. Would you like more details on any specific component or model?

2. List and discuss types of data storage server solution?

There are several types of data storage server solutions, each with its own advantages and use cases.
Here are the main types:

1. Direct-Attached Storage (DAS)

Description: DAS is storage that is directly connected to a server or workstation without a network in
between. Pros:

 High performance due to direct connection

 Simple to set up and manage

 Cost-effective for small setups Cons:

 Limited scalability

 Not ideal for sharing data across multiple servers

2. Network-Attached Storage (NAS)

Description: NAS is a dedicated file storage device that connects to a network, allowing multiple users
and heterogeneous client devices to retrieve data from centralized disk capacity. Pros:
  Easy to set up and manage

 Provides centralized storage accessible over a network

 Scalable by adding more NAS devices Cons:

 Performance can be affected by network traffic

 Limited to file-level storage

3. Storage Area Network (SAN)

Description: SAN is a high-speed network that provides block-level storage to multiple servers. It is
typically used in enterprise environments. Pros:

 High performance and reliability

 Scalable and flexible

 Supports large-scale storage needs Cons:

 Complex to set up and manage

 Expensive compared to DAS and NAS

4. Cloud Storage

Description: Cloud storage involves storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet. These
servers are maintained by a cloud service provider. Pros:

 Highly scalable and flexible

 No need for physical hardware maintenance

 Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection Cons:

 Ongoing subscription costs

 Dependent on internet connectivity

 Potential security and privacy concerns

5. Hybrid Storage

Description: Hybrid storage combines on-premises storage (DAS, NAS, or SAN) with cloud storage to
leverage the benefits of both. Pros:

 Flexibility to store critical data on-premises and less critical data in the cloud

 Cost-effective by optimizing storage costs

 Enhanced disaster recovery options Cons:

 Complexity in managing hybrid environments

 Potential integration issues

Each of these storage solutions has its own strengths and is suitable for different scenarios. The choice
depends on factors like budget, scalability needs, performance requirements, and the specific use
case123.

3. Explain Active directory physical and logical structure?

Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain
networks. It includes both a physical and a logical structure, each serving different purposes.

Logical Structure

The logical structure of Active Directory is designed to organize and manage network resources
efficiently. It includes the following components:

1. Forest
o Definition: The top-level container in an Active Directory environment.
o Function: A collection of one or more domains that share a common schema,
configuration, and global catalog.
o Trust Relationships: Domains within a forest are linked by two-way, transitive trust
relationships1.

2. Domain
o Definition: A partition within a forest.
o Function: Contains objects like users, groups, and computers. Domains provide a way to
manage these objects and apply policies.
o Replication: Data is replicated among domain controllers within the domain1.

3. Organizational Unit (OU)

o Definition: A container within a domain.
o Function: Used to organize objects within a domain and delegate administrative control.
o Flexibility: OUs can be nested to create a hierarchical structure1.

4. Tree
o Definition: A collection of one or more domains that share a contiguous namespace.
o Function: Domains in a tree are connected in a hierarchical manner and share a
common schema1.

Physical Structure

The physical structure of Active Directory refers to the actual hardware and network
configuration that supports the logical structure. It includes:

1. Domain Controllers (DCs)

o Definition: Servers that store a copy of the Active Directory database and manage
changes to it.
o Function: Authenticate users, enforce policies, and replicate data to other DCs 2.
 2. Sites
o Definition: Represent the physical topology of the network.
o Function: Used to manage replication traffic and optimize network usage. Sites are
defined by IP subnets2.

3. Global Catalog (GC)

o Definition: A distributed data repository that contains a searchable, partial
representation of every object in every domain within a forest.
o Function: Facilitates searches across the entire forest and speeds up the logon process2.

4. Replication
o Definition: The process of copying data between domain controllers.
o Function: Ensures consistency and availability of data across the network2.

Summary

The logical structure of Active Directory helps in organizing and managing resources efficiently,
while the physical structure ensures the infrastructure supports these logical components
effectively. Together, they provide a scalable, secure, and manageable environment for network
administration12.

5. Active Directory Services consist of multiple directory services. List and

explain those directory services?

Active Directory Services consist of several key directory services, each serving specific
functions within the network. Here are the main ones:

1. Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

Description: The core service of Active Directory, AD DS stores directory data and manages
communication between users and domains, including user logon processes, authentication, and
directory searches. Functions:

 Authentication: Verifies user credentials.

 Authorization: Controls access to resources.
 Replication: Ensures data consistency across domain controllers1.

2. Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS)

Description: A lightweight version of AD DS, AD LDS provides directory services for

applications without requiring the deployment of domains or domain controllers. Functions:

 Flexibility: Can run multiple instances on a single server.

 Application-Specific: Ideal for applications needing directory services without full AD DS1.
3. Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)

Description: Provides customizable services for creating and managing public key certificates
used in software security systems. Functions:

 Certificate Issuance: Issues and manages digital certificates.

 Security: Enhances security by enabling encryption and digital signatures1.

4. Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)

Description: Provides single sign-on (SSO) capabilities to authenticate a user across multiple
web applications using a single set of credentials. Functions:

 SSO: Simplifies user access to multiple applications.

 Federation: Enables secure sharing of identity information between trusted partners 1.

5. Active Directory Rights Management Services (AD RMS)

Description: Protects sensitive information through persistent usage policies, such as who can
open, modify, print, or forward a document. Functions:

 Information Protection: Controls access to documents and emails.

 Policy Enforcement: Applies usage policies to protect data1.

6. Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)

Description: A cloud-based identity and access management service that extends on-premises
Active Directory to the cloud. Functions:

 Cloud Integration: Provides identity management for cloud-based applications.

 Hybrid Identity: Supports hybrid environments with both on-premises and cloud resources 2.

These services collectively enhance the functionality, security, and manageability of network
resources, providing a comprehensive solution for identity and access management.

5. Main Differences Between Windows and Linux Operating Systems

**1. Source Code Accessibility

 Windows: Proprietary operating system; source code is not accessible to the public.
 Linux: Open-source operating system; source code is freely available and can be
modified by anyone1.

**2. Cost

 Windows: Requires a paid license.

  Linux: Generally free to use and distribute1.

**3. Customization

 Windows: Limited customization options.

 Linux: Highly customizable; users can modify the system to suit their needs2.

**4. Security

 Windows: More susceptible to malware and viruses due to its widespread use.
 Linux: Generally considered more secure due to its open-source nature and fewer
targeted attacks2.

**5. File System

 Windows: Uses NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT file systems.

 Linux: Uses ext3, ext4, XFS, Btrfs, and others2.

**6. User Interface

 Windows: Graphical user interface (GUI) is standard and user-friendly.

 Linux: Offers both GUI and command-line interface (CLI); multiple desktop
environments like GNOME, KDE, and XFCE2.

**7. Software Compatibility

 Windows: Compatible with a wide range of commercial software and games.

 Linux: Compatible with many open-source applications; some commercial software may
not be available2.

Examples:

 Windows: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and many popular games.

 Linux: LibreOffice, GIMP, and various open-source software2.

6. What Do 64-Bit and 32-Bit Mean for Your Computer?

**1. Processor Architecture

 32-Bit: Refers to processors that can handle 32 bits of data at a time.

 64-Bit: Refers to processors that can handle 64 bits of data at a time3.

**2. Memory Handling

 32-Bit: Can address up to 4 GB of RAM.

 64-Bit: Can address significantly more RAM, theoretically up to 18.4 million TB3.
**3. Performance

 32-Bit: Suitable for basic tasks and older hardware.

 64-Bit: Provides better performance for modern applications, especially those requiring
large amounts of memory3.

**4. Software Compatibility

 32-Bit: Can run 32-bit software only.

 64-Bit: Can run both 32-bit and 64-bit software3.

**5. Security

 32-Bit: Limited security features.

 64-Bit: Enhanced security features, such as hardware-based data execution prevention3.

Examples:

 32-Bit: Older versions of Windows (e.g., Windows XP 32-bit), older hardware.

 64-Bit: Modern versions of Windows (e.g., Windows 10 64-bit), modern hardware3.

Would you like more details on any specific aspect of these topics?