Section 12.1 Prepare for installing an operating system Configure a server operating system Use an operating system efficiently Section 12.2 Install hardware.

Section 12.1• Prepare for installing an operating system• Configure a server operating system• Use an operating system efficiently

Section 12.2• Install hardware on a computer• Configure a workstation• Test for network connectivity

Section 12.3• Determine when network and software upgrades are required• Calculate the costs associated with upgrading

Section 12.4• Properly document a network• Prepare to test a network

12.1pp. 340-345

Main Ideas

Installing an OS requires important decisions about the computer’s role and services. Learn about an OS to use it efficiently.

Key Terms

disk imagepartitionvirtual diskdomain controllerInternet Information Services (IIS)Client Services for NetWare (CSNW)Gateway Services for NetWare (GSNW)sharewaredefragment

Guide to Reading

Installing Operating Systems

12.1pp. 340-345

Most OS installations are highly automated. In most cases, you put a CD with a disk image in the CD-ROM drive, boot the computer, and follow a series of prompts to install the OS.

disk image A complete copy of a configured OS, with all applications and options already set up. (p. 340)

Configuration of an OS


12.1pp. 340-345

Installation of a Server OS

The actual installation of a server OS is largely the same as installing a normal OS on a personal computer or workstation. In fact, many of the differences between a server OS and a normal OS are not that noticeable.

However, because of the important role the server plays, you often have to do a lot of planning before you put a new server into service on a network.


12.1pp. 340-345


Specialized services are provided by servers.


12.1pp. 340-345

Before installing a server OS, you should know the following:

• How (or if) you will partition the server hard drive(s). Partitions as also called virtual disks..• The file system that will be used.• The domain name your server will be connected to and whether the server will act as a domain controller.• The server’s computer name and administrator account’s password.

partition A part of the usable space on a hard drive that acts as a virtual disk. (p. 342)

virtual disk A part of a hard drive that a computer recognizes as an individual disk, even though all the storage space is contained on one physical drive. (p. 342)

domain controller A Windows server that stores the logon and security information for a network. Another name for a logon server. (p. 342)



12.1pp. 340-345

During installation of the server OS, you may need to select and configure networking components and services. You may also need to access some services during installation, for example Internet Information Services (IIS).

Internet Information Services (IIS) Microsoft’s Web server that runs on Windows NT and provides services, such as file transfer (FTP), e-mail (SMTP), and Active Server Pages (ASPs). (p. 344)



12.1pp. 340-345

Configuration and InternetworkingBetween OSs

Protocols can be installed on each computer to allow computers to speak the same language.

For instance, AppleTalk might be installed to allow Windows computers to communicate with the Mac computers.


12.1pp. 340-345

In a Novell NetWare environment using IPX/SPX, two services may be used.

• Client Services for NetWare (CSNW)

• Gateway Services for NetWare (GSNW)

Client Services for NetWare (CSNW) A Windows NT protocol that allows Microsoft clients to connect to file and print resources on NetWare services. (p. 344)

Gateway Services for NetWare (GSNW) A protocol that provides a gateway for Microsoft clients and services to access resources on NetWare services. (p. 344)



12.1pp. 340-345


Connecting OSs requires appropriate client or gateway software.


12.1pp. 340-345

Efficient Use of an OS

There are many ways to use your OS efficiently. Most OSs have dozens, if not hundreds, of utilities built into them.

If you learn to use an OS skill one way, try something else when a new application comes along. Challenge yourself to find out all you can about the operating system and applications you use on a regular basis.


12.1pp. 340-345

Here are tips to make the most efficient use of the OS:

• Back up your data frequently.• Keep your data saved separately from your application and OS files.• Install antivirus software and keep it up-to-date.• Keep your operating system and drivers up-to-date.

• If you install shareware programs that you do not use, uninstall them.

shareware Software programs you can try before you buy. (p. 345)



12.1pp. 340-345

More tips to make the most efficient use of the OS:

• Delete temporary and other unnecessary files.

• Defragment the hard drive regularly.

• Empty your Web browser cache from time to time.

• Create keyboard shortcuts that can make repetitive tasks easier.

defragment To optimize the storage space on a hard drive by adjoining scattered files in like clusters. (p. 345)



12.1pp. 340-345

You Try It

• Activity 12A – Accessing and Configuring Services (p. 343)


12.2pp. 347-352

Main Ideas

Many techniques exist to connect hardware to a computer. The operating system communicates with hardware using device drivers. Most organizations have policies regarding installation of software. Use the ping utility to help test network connectivity.

Key Terms

expansion slot

Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA)

Serial ATA (S-ATA)

license server

ping (Packet Internet Groper)

Guide to Reading

Implementation

12.2pp. 347-352

Hardware Setup and Device Driver Installations

Hardware components can be grouped into three categories:

• add-in cards

• external devices

• storage devices

Implementation

12.2pp. 347-352

Remember the following when installing add-in cards:

• Ground yourself first.

• Handle cards by the edges.

• Verify that there are empty expansion slots.

• Make sure the new device is the correct type.

expansion slot Thin, rectangular slots on the motherboard that accept add-in cards to increase the computer’s capabilities. (p. 348)


Implementation

12.2pp. 347-352


External devices, such as printers, scanners, some modems, and flash memory storage devices, are connected to the computer in a variety of ways.

Connecting these types of devices is much simpler as they plug into a port located on the front or back of the computer.

Implementation

12.2pp. 347-352

Storage devices require some additional planning. For these types of devices, you need to be aware of the following interface technologies:

• Many hard drives, CD and DVD burners, and other storage devices use the Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) interface to connect to the motherboard.

Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) Many hard drives, CD and DVD burners, and other storage devices use the Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) interface to connect to the motherboard. (p. 349)


Implementation

12.2pp. 347-352

• A new technology known as Serial ATA (S-ATA) is replacing the aging ATA interface.

• In servers, the Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) is the general standard.

• Verify that your computer’s power supply can handle any additional drives.

Serial ATA (S-ATA) A device that can transfer data much more quickly than either ATA or Ultra ATA devices, and uses a thinner cable. (p. 349)


Implementation

12.2pp. 347-352

Workstation Configuration and Software Loading

In many organizations, workstation configurations are standardized to reduce the burden on IT support. A standardized workstation configuration usually consists of:

• Similar hardware components.

• OS configured similarly from workstation to workstation.

• Identical software applications throughout the company.

Implementation

12.2pp. 347-352

Licensing information is generally input during the installation. Applications that use network licensing may need to be configured to find the appropriate license server.

license server A server that issues application licenses to clients. After closing the application, the license and application is made available to anyone else on the network. (p. 350)


Implementation

12.2pp. 347-352


Most organizations have policies regarding users configuring and loading software onto their systems. In many cases, users are strictly forbidden from doing either. There are many reasons for this:

• licensing

• support

• security

You should always check the organization’s policy before installing any software on a computer that is not your own.

Implementation

12.2pp. 347-352

Network Connectivity Testing

A simple test can be performed just by looking at the back of the computer.

Most NICs include at least one or two status light-emitting diode (LED) lights. One of the LEDs usually indicates a link status if it senses other network traffic.

On many 10/100 Ethernet NICs, a LED may indicate whether the card is connected at 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps.

Implementation

12.2pp. 347-352

One tool to detect computers on a network is the Packet INternet Groper (ping).

Packet INternet Groper (ping) A simple utility that tests if a network connection is complete, from the server to the workstation, by sending a message to a remote computer. (p. 351)

Network Connectivity Testing

Implementation

12.2pp. 347-352

You Try It

• Activity 12B – Using Ping to Test Network Connectivity

(p. 351)

Implementation

12.3pp. 354-357

Main Ideas

Network components and software should be closely monitored to prepare for necessary upgrades. A network administrator must calculate cost and investment to justify spending money for hardware and software.

Key Terms

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Return On Investment (ROI)

Guide to Reading

System and Network Upgrades

12.3pp. 354-357

Network Expansion

Various factors offer clues that an upgrade might be needed.

If your network was configured several years ago, it is possible that the CPU and network are no longer responsive enough.

This may be due to increased user demand and the requirements of new software.


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Network Expansion

Servers should have enough RAM, disk space, and processing power to allow end users to use their software applications efficiently without having to wait for the server to retrieve, process, or store their information.

Monitoring the server periodically against a known baseline is important.

For example, if the CPU is busy over 80 percent of the time, the CPU or the amount of memory might need to be upgraded.


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Network Expansion

One of the most common upgrades is software.


12.3pp. 354-357

Network Expansion

The current trend among major software companies is to use a maintenance or subscription program, such as those found with virus protection software. A yearly maintenance fee is paid for each license. Any upgrades to the software are automatically sent to the organization.

For many organizations, this is a good way to stay current on the latest software. It also makes budgeting easier because the maintenance fee is a fixed cost every year.


12.3pp. 354-357

Upgrades for network hardware and software are often expensive and are frequently necessary.

IT departments must present the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) to management and then justify the proposed purchases with a Return on Investment (ROI) calculation.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) The calculation of the initial purchase price of the hardware and software involved in the upgrade and the costs associated with installation, management, training, and insurance. (p. 356)

Return On Investment (ROI) A calculation of how the cost of new equipment or software will result in increased savings or earnings. (p. 356)

Calculating the Cost


12.3pp. 354-357

You Try It

• Activity 12C – Calculating the ROI for an IT Purchase

(p. 356)


12.4pp. 358-362

Main Ideas

Documenting a network is an important task for IT personnel. Proper documentation can help restore important system settings in an emergency. Testing network components must be carefully planned and executed to provide meaningful results.

Key Terms

service agreements

logbook

drive assignment

test life cycle

Guide to Reading

System Testing & Documentation

12.4pp. 358-362

Documentation developed for maintenance, upgrading, and troubleshooting should contain the following:

• a map of the entire network

• server information

• software information

• essential contact information

• copies of all service agreements

• a record of all problems and their symptoms and solutions

service agreements A contract with an outside business for maintenance and repairs of certain types of equipment, such as printers and copiers. (p. 358)

Documenting a Network


12.4pp. 358-362

If there is more than one network administrator, it is important that all records are kept in a shared logbook. This log can become an invaluable guide to future administrators.

logbook A written record of all changes that affect the network. (p. 359)



12.4pp. 358-362


In addition to the items listed previously, the documentation should also include:

• Purchase and installation dates and descriptions of all key equipment.

• Vendor, model, and warranty information, including serial numbers.

• The installation process and the results. You should record any configuration settings you made and note whether the installation process was successful.

• The initial and subsequent network configurations.

• Network usage policies and procedures.


12.4pp. 358-362

• Network resources and drive assignments.

• Copies of crucial network configuration files, such as Config.sys and .bat files.

• Any unusual application program configurations.

• Any particular computer, motherboard, or peripheral settings.

• Hardware or software changes.

• Any activities that affect the topology or architecture.

drive assignment Mapping a network folder or drive to a logical drive on a user’s computer. (p. 359)



12.4pp. 358-362


Screen shots are a good way to document network information.


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Proper testing follows several distinct stages. These stages are often referred to as the test life cycle.

test life cycle Distinct stages of testing a new component goes through before it is deployed on a network. (p. 361)

Testing the Network


12.4pp. 358-362

Testing the Network

The test life cycle may require several loops through the cycle before testing is conclusive.


12.4pp. 358-362

You Try It

• Activity 12D – Mapping a Network Drive and Folder (p. 359)• Activity 12E – Implementing the Test Life Cycle (p. 361)


Resources

For more resources on this chapter, go to the Introduction to Networks and Networking Web site at http://networking.glencoe.com.

Chapter 12

http://networking.glencoe.com/



Section 12.1 Prepare for installing an operating system Configure a server operating system Use an operating system efficiently Section 12.2 Install hardware.

Documents

windows server

server osinstalling

logon server

server osspecialized

new server

server plays

server hard drives

normal os