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Showing posts with label install file server. Show all posts
Showing posts with label install file server. Show all posts

Automate data classification with new features in Windows Server 2008 R2

Microsoft has added many features to Windows Server 2008 R2, and once you install the roles and features to add these modular goodies to your implementation, there are many impressive new things you can do. In this post, I am going to look at a new feature that works for Windows Server 2008 R2 File Servers called File Classification Infrastructure.

To use the classification features, you will need to install File Server Role and the File Server Resource Manager feature(s) associated with it. To install the File Server Role, complete the following steps:

1. Open the Server Manager.
2. Scroll down to section 3, Customize This Server.
3. Click Add Roles to add server roles.
4. Select the File Services Role and complete the roles wizard.

Once the needed roles are installed, the File Server Resource Manager (FSRM) console can be launched by selecting it from the Administrative Tools group or by entering fsrm.msc in the search box on the Start menu.

Why classify data?

Classifying data can help make data more accessible (or less accessible) to the users in your environment who need it. For example, suppose the Human Resources department created a folder on the file server within their department called Litigation. In this folder they place files that are needed for any litigation the company is associated with. The permissions on the folder are configured so that HR employees can edit the contents of the folder and add documents. Senior management can read the documents in the litigation folder, and the HR manager can remove documents that are no longer needed.

The question is, how is it determined that a document is no longer needed and how do we apply these criteria to existing files in such a way that minimizes user interaction with them? The new classification feature in Windows Server 2008 R2 makes it possible to automatically assign classification information to files on file servers and apply policy to them based on that information.

Classification in Windows Server 2008 R2 consists of several elements: properties, rules, and a policy segment including reporting and file management. Properties are the fields that you wish to assign a value for, and the rules are the criteria that set these values. There are other methods of classification available as well, including applications and scripts. More detailed examination of the methods of configuring the File Classification Infrastructure will follow in a future post.

To expire files, consider moving the files that meet a set of conditions, perhaps the last modified date greater than 30 days, to a different folder that an administrator can manually clean up at his or her leisure. Or you can create another rule, using a script, that can purge on a schedule, configured by the choice of the administrator or IT staff.

Source: http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/networking/?p=1441

How to Install the File Server Resource Manager Services?

As with all Windows Server 2003 R2 features, the File Server Resource Manager component must be installed via the Add/Remove Windows Components module. To install the component, follow these steps:

  1. Start the Add/Remove Programs Control Panel applet (Start, Settings, Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs).
  2. Click Add/Remove Windows Components.
  3. Select "Management and Monitoring Tools" and click Details.
  4. Select the File Server Resource Manager check box, as the figure at http://www.windowsitpro.com/articles/images/2003r2filescrenfsrminstall.gif shows.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Click Next to the main Windows Components dialog box.
  7. Click Finish. You'll need to reboot for the changes to take effect.
From: http://windowsitpro.com/article/articleid/49718/how-do-i-install-the-file-server-resource-manager-services.html

History of File Servers

In the mid-1980s enterprises became increasingly interested in ways to connect a rapidly growing population of personal computers. Novell proposed an approach using software to connect each workstation to a network file server that would manage both the network and access to network resources. At the same time 3Com Corporation was creating Ethernet adapter cards, building hardware connectivity needed for such approach.

Novell grew upon the strength of its Netware operating system, used for file serving, and by the late 1980s had a 50% market share of local area networks. Seeing the potential growth in this arena IBM and Microsoft both introduced their own file server strategies.

Twenty years after its peak, Novell and 3Com have virtually disappeared from the Server market; today disk servers (a NAS or a SAN) supplied by one of the leading vendors such as EMC or NetApp are typically attached to a file server running the Microsoft Windows or Linux operating systems. Large data centers, that serve millions of customers (such as Google's), run server farms on specialized equipment with large, complex operating systems.

Types of file servers

A file server may be dedicated or non-dedicated. A dedicated server is generally designed specifically for use as a file server, with workstations attached for reading and writing files and databases. A workstation may share files with other workstations on the network directly however by turning on its "Server" service and then by creating a "Share" -- this process creates a non-dedicated file server that is primarily being used as a workstation.

File servers may also be categorized by the method of access: Internet file servers are frequently accessed by File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or by HTTP (but are different from web servers, that often provide dynamic web content in addition to static files). Servers on a LAN are usually accessed by SMB/CIFS protocol or NFS protocol. Database servers, that provide access to a shared database via a database device driver, are not regarded as file servers. Most file servers are simultaneously print servers too, as they provide access to printers via network. A single file serving computer may be accessible by multiple means: it may run an FTP server, an CIFS server, etc., serving the same files.

Design of file servers

In modern businesses the design of file servers is complicated by competing demands for storage space, access speed, recoverability, ease of administration, security, and budget. This is further complicated by a constantly changing environment, where new hardware and technology rapidly obsoletes old equipment, and yet must seamlessly come online in a fashion compatible with the older machinery. To manage throughput, peak loads, and response time, vendors may utilize queuing theory to model how the combination of hardware and software will respond over various levels of demand. Servers may also employ dynamic load balancing scheme to distribute requests across various pieces of hardware.

The primary piece of hardware equipment for servers over the last couple of decades has proven to be the hard disk drive. Although other forms of storage are viable (such as magnetic tape and RAM) disk drives have continued to offer the best fit for cost, performance, and capacity.

Storage

Since the crucial function of a file server is storage, hardware has been developed to operate multiple disk drives together as a team, forming a disk array. A disk array typically has cache (temporary memory storage that is faster than the magnetic disks), as well as advanced functions like RAID and storage virtualization. Typically disk arrays increase level of availability by using redundant components other than RAID, such as power supplies. Disk arrays may be consolidated or virtualized in a storage area network (SAN).

Filers

In 1990s, introduction of specialized file serving devices, the NetApp filers, popularized the concept of network-attached storage (NAS). To this time, file servers were still implemented with general-purpose servers and OSes. NetApp changed this with introducing specialized network appliances, with a proprietary software and scalable to multiple disk enclosures holding tens or hundreds of disks grouped in multiple disk arrays. Filers later extended to non-file protocols, such as iSCSI, but still NAS is popularly perceived as mainly a file serving technology.

Security

File servers generally offer some form of system security to limit access to files to specific users or groups. In large organizations, this is a task usually delegated to what is known as directory services such as openLDAP, Novell's eDirectory or Microsoft's Active Directory.

These servers work within the hierarchical computing environment which treat users, computers, applications and files as distinct but related entities on the network and grant access based on user or group credentials. In many cases, the directory service spans many file servers, potentially hundreds for large organizations. In the past, and in smaller organizations, authentication can take place directly to the server itself.

Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/file-server

File Server Solution for Netbooks

Egnyte, a provider of on-demand file server solutions, announced today that it will now support "netbooks," the new breed of mini laptops that are taking the portable PC market by storm. Popular for their small size, portability and low cost, netbooks are currently restricted in their ability to function as a complete mobile office due to their basic feature set, limited performance and small hard drive. Egnyte's new file server for netbooks will provide unlimited online storage, as well as the ability to easily and securely access and share files, anytime and anywhere. For small businesses and mobile professionals, the solution provides a cost effective and efficient means to utilize a netbook as an office on the go.

The global economic slowdown is requiring businesses to cut back on expenditures, with many small businesses moving away from physical offices to complete mobile work environments. Netbooks are becoming attractive alternatives to traditional notebooks due to their attractive pricing model and convenience. With Egnyte, netbooks become notebooks by delivering business-class storage functionality. By mapping the File Server as a drive.

"Right now, netbooks are currently seen as underpowered notebooks used primarily for surfing the web and emailing, but they have much greater potential," said Rob Enderle, Principal Analyst for the Enderle Group. "As solution providers like Egnyte deliver added functionality such as on-demand and unlimited online storage, the netbook has the ability to evolve into a vital business tool for mobile workers across numerous industries."

The market for netbooks is growing fast, rising from a million units in 2007 to industry forecasts of over 50 million by 2010. The products are attractive for emerging markets where they help provide Internet access to the largest number of users, and to highly developed markets where they are seen as mobile tools or a second PC.

Egnyte is a software-as-a-service cloud storage application, providing the only single, integrated, on-demand solution to the three most common technology challenges facing every small business services: data storage, information sharing, and computer back-up. The Egnyte solution eliminates the need for file-server hardware, storing users' files on secure, always-available servers connected to the Internet.

"With mobile business on the rise, netbooks are only going to get more attractive due to their low price point and portability," said Vineet K. Jain, CEO of Egnyte. "However, to combat storage challenges, turning to an online or virtual storage provider like Egnyte makes sense. And, for only $15 per month per user, it is an attractive value proposition, particularly for small businesses or mobile users who want the benefits of a big company solution."
The Egnyte netbook server solution provides a number of specific features for file storage and document collaboration. These include:
  1. Configurable Shared Folders. Create folders to store and share files within and outside your company. Control permissions on folders (e.g. read only, read/write).
  2. Access as a Drive. Access Egnyte as folders on your computer. Drag and drop files easily.
  3. -- No Download or Upload Limits. Download or upload as much data as required. No daily or monthly restrictions. There are no file size limits either.
  4. Tight Privacy Controls. Share with multiple customers or suppliers. One party cannot see another's folders or files.
  5. Highly Secure. Manage accounts and permissions. All access to Egnyte is fully encrypted. Servers hosted at a SAS-70 compliant, highly secure facility.
Source: marketwatch.com/news/story/Egnyte-Introduces-Online-File-Server/story.aspx?guid={4D9B83E8-8951-41B8-B057-4D0C948A551E}

Install File Server for Macintosh

To install File Server for Macintosh
  • Open the Windows Components wizard.
  • In Components, click Other Network File and Print Services (but do not select or clear its check box), and then click Details.
  • Select the File Services for Macintosh check box.
  • To install Print Server for Macintosh, you can also select the Print Services for Macintosh check box.
  • Click OK, and then click Next.
Notes
  • To open the Windows Components Wizard, click Start, click Control Panel, double-click Add or Remove programs, and then click Add/Remove Windows Components.
  • Certain Windows components require configuration before they can be used. If you installed one or more of these components but did not configure them, when you click Add/Remove Windows Components, a list of components that need to be configured is displayed. To start the Windows Components Wizard, click Components.
  • You must have an NTFS partition installed before you install File Server for Macintosh.
  • When File Server for Macintosh and TCP/IP are installed, the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) over TCP/IP is enabled automatically.
  • If you have not already installed the AppleTalk protocol, the protocol is installed automatically when you install File Server for Macintosh.
Source: technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc780031.aspx

How To Install and Configure a File and Print Server in Windows Server 2003

Install File and Printer Sharing:-

By default, a Windows Server 2003-based computer is installed with Client for Microsoft Networks, File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks, and TCP/IP.

You can create a Windows Server 2003 file server and print server manually, or you can use the wizards that are provided in the Configure Your Server Wizard administrative tool.

How to Install a File Server on Windows Server 2003 by Using the Configure Your Server Wizard
  • 1. Click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Configure Your Server Wizard.
  • 2. Click Next.
  • 3. Click Next.
  • 4. Click File server in the Server role box, and then click Next.
  • 5. On the "File Server Disk Quotas" page, configure any quotas you need to control disk-space usage on the server, and then click Next.
  • 6. On the "File Server Indexing Service" page, click the indexing configuration that is appropriate for your server, and then click Next.
  • 7. Click Next.
  • 8. Click Finish.
  • 9. The Share a Folder Wizard starts. Click Next.
  • 10. Click Browse, locate the folder that you want to share, and then click OK.
  • 11. Click Next.
  • 12. Type a share name for the folder, and then click Next.
  • 13. Click one of the basic permissions for the folder, or click Customize to set custom permissions on the folder. Click Finish.
  • 14. Click Close.
How to Manually Install a File Server on Windows Server 2003:-

  • 1. Click Start, and then click Windows Explorer.
  • 2. Locate the folder that you want to share.
  • 3. Right-click the folder, and then click Sharing and Security.
  • 4. Click Share this folder, and then accept the default name or type a different name for the share.
  • 5. Optionally, configure the number of users who can connect, configure permissions for this folder, and then configure the caching options.
  • 6. Click OK.
  • 7. A little hand is displayed in the Windows Explorer window to indicate that the folder is being shared.
  • 8. Quit Windows Explorer.

Install a Windows Server 2003 Print Server:-

How to Install a Print Server on Windows Server 2003 by Using the Configure Your Server Wizard
  • 1. Click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Configure Your Server Wizard.
  • 2. Click Next.
  • 3. Click Next.
  • 4. Click Print server in the Server role box, and then click Next.
  • 5. On the "Printers and Printer Drivers" page, click the types of Windows clients that your print server will support, and then click Next.
  • 6. Click Next.
  • 7. On the "Add Printer Wizard Welcome" page, click Next.
  • 8. Click Local printer attached to this computer, click to clear the Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play printer check box, and then click Next.
  • 9. Click the port for your printer, and then click Next.
  • 10. Click the printer make and model or provide the drivers from the printer manufacturer media, and then click Next.
NOTE: If you are prompted to keep or not keep your existing printer driver, either keep the existing driver or replace the existing driver. If you replace the driver, you must provide the manufacturer driver for this printer. Click Next to continue.
  • 11. Accept the default name of the printer or provide a different name, and then click Next.
  • 12. Click the Share as option, type the share name, and then click Next.

NOTE: This step is optional because you can share the printer later.

  • 13. You may provide the location of the printer and a comment to make it easier to locate. Click Next to continue.
  • 14. Click the Print a test page option, click Next, and then click Finish to quit the Add Printer Wizard. Your printer appears in the Printers and Faxes folder.
How to Share a Printer:-

  • 1. Click Start, and then click Printers and Faxes.
  • 2. Right-click the printer that you just installed, and then click Sharing.
  • 3. Click Share this printer, and then type a share name for the printer.
  • 4. Optionally, click Additional Drivers, click the operating systems of the client computers that may attach to this printer, and then click OK. By adding drivers for these operating systems, users on client computers can connect to the print server and automatically download the appropriate drivers for this model of printer without having to configure anything.
  • 5. When you are prompted to do so, insert the Windows Server 2003 CD-ROM.
  • 6. Click OK to close the printer properties.
  • 7. Close the Printers and Faxes folder.
How to Manually Install a Print Server on Windows Server 2003:-

  • 1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
  • 2. Double-click Add Printer to start the Add Printer Wizard.
  • 3. To complete the Add Printer Wizard, repeat steps 7 through 14 in the "Install a Windows Server 2003 Print Server" section of this article.
NOTE: The only difference between the manual installation of the print server and the use of the Configure Your Server Wizard to create the print server is how you start the Add Printer Wizard.

Source:support.microsoft.com
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