Server roles refer to specific functions and features that a server can perform in a network environment. Different server roles have different requirements for hardware, software, and configuration.
Some common server roles include:
Print server: A server that manages and shares printers on a network.
Database server: A server that hosts a database management system and provides database services to other computers on the network.
File server: A server that stores and manages files, and allows users to access and share files over the network.
Web server: A server that hosts websites and serves web pages to clients over the internet or intranet.
Application server: A server that provides access to business applications and services to clients over the network.
Messaging server: A server that manages email and other messaging services for clients on the network.
To configure and maintain server functions and features, it is important to understand the specific requirements of each server role. This may include hardware requirements such as CPU, RAM, and storage, as well as software requirements such as operating system, database management system, and application software.
Baselining is also an important part of server administration, which involves documenting the current state and performance of the server and establishing performance metrics to monitor its performance over time. This helps to identify issues and potential problems before they cause downtime or performance degradation.
Documentation is also critical for maintaining server functions and features, as it provides a record of the server's configuration and allows for easier troubleshooting and maintenance. Regular updates to documentation should be made as changes are made to the server's configuration.
Directory connectivity
Directory connectivity refers to the ability of a server to connect to and integrate with directory services such as Active Directory or LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol). These directory services store and organize information about network resources such as users, groups, computers, and applications.
Configuring directory connectivity on a server involves setting up the necessary protocols, such as LDAP or Kerberos, and specifying the directory service location, authentication method, and other relevant settings.
Once the server is connected to the directory service, it can use the directory information to authenticate users, provide access to resources, and enforce security policies. This helps to ensure that users have the appropriate level of access to the resources they need while also maintaining security and control over the network.
Storage management
Storage management refers to the tasks involved in managing the storage devices and data on a server. Some of the common tasks involved in storage management are:
Formatting: The process of preparing a storage device to store data by creating a file system on it. This wipes out all the existing data on the device.
Connectivity: The process of connecting a storage device to a server. This can be done via various interfaces such as SATA, SAS, SCSI, Fibre Channel, iSCSI, etc.
Provisioning: The process of allocating storage space to a server or application. This can be done using various techniques such as thin provisioning and thick provisioning.
Partitioning: The process of dividing a storage device into logical sections called partitions. This can be done using tools such as fdisk, parted, etc.
Page/swap/scratch location and size: The process of configuring the location and size of the page file, swap file, and scratch space. This can be done in the operating system settings.
Disk quotas: The process of limiting the amount of disk space that can be used by a user or application. This can be done in the operating system settings.
Compression: The process of reducing the size of files to save disk space. This can be done using tools such as gzip, bzip2, etc.
Deduplication: The process of identifying and eliminating duplicate data on a storage device. This can be done using software tools or hardware appliances.
To configure and maintain storage management, one needs to have a good understanding of the storage technologies, file systems, and operating systems used in the server environment. It is also important to monitor the storage devices and data to ensure optimal performance and availability. Regular backups and disaster recovery plans should also be in place to protect the data in case of a failure.
