What is a server? How does it relate to a desktop machine? Server-based software vs. stand-alone software.

What is a Server?

A server is a computer (Usually high-end, "Faster, Bigger") that allows computers in a network to have a shared resource. Most servers in the district are used to share files (Public, H:\), to run programs (Pcapps, G:\), or to share Printers (\\server\printer). The different rolls that servers play in the district are:

*PDC (Primary Domain Controller)
These servers are the bosses of 1 or more servers. All usernames and passwords are kept on the PDC.

*BDC (Backup Domain Controller)
These servers are the backups which take over if the PDC fails. They keep a copy of the Usernames and Passwords to validate logons incase the PDC is busy.

*Server
These servers are just ordinary servers that can join a domain but do can not replace a PDC like a BDC. These servers usually are setup to just share files or printers.

Print Server
These servers are usually assigned network printers to share and maintain.

File Servers
These servers have folders/directories shared for access by network users.

Application Servers
These servers have programs that are shared across the network to multiple computers.

*A server can only be one of these but can be any combination of file, print, and application server.

How does it relate to a desktop machine?

A server allows two computers to share printers, files, or applications. A server is required to validate your password when you logon to the computer. Most computers in the district will not function with out a validated logon.
Ex. You decide to take your work computer home for the summer. It will not work when you get it home. You can not get a validated logon from a server so you can not use the computer.

Server-based software vs. stand-alone software.

Server-based software is software the runs from the server. You can not run these programs without the server.
-Ex. A shared program such as Grade Machine can be loaded on the server to give access to all people from one location, rather than loading on all 200 computers.

Stand-alone software is software the runs without the server. You can run these programs without the server.
-Ex. A local program such as Word is installed local to speed up the program, and allows you to use word even if one of the application servers in the building is down.