Server Systems Administration

Types of Servers Small Servers –Usually are PCs –Need a PC Server Operating System (SOS) such as Microsoft Windows Server, Novell NetWare, LINUX Large Servers –Usually use Workstation Servers –Usually run UNIX

Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) PC or workstation can have multiple microprocessors Work is shared among the microprocessors through symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) to increase overall speed However, if you have N microprocessors, your server is not N times faster than a single- microprocessor server because of problems in assigning work evenly

RAID Redundant Array or Inexpensive (or Independent) Drives –RAID controller controls multiple small inexpensive disk drives –Reads and writes in parallel for higher speed despite low-cost drives

RAID Redundant Array or Inexpensive (or Independent) Drives –Information is stored redundantly –If one disk fails, lose no information –Drives may even be hot-swappable Do not have to turn off computer to replace

Server Farms In large sites, one server is not enough –Have several, even hundreds of servers –Called a server farm –Many PC servers may be more cost-effective than fewer workstation servers Server Farm

Server Farms Load Balancing Approach –Router or other device sends requests to servers based on load

Server Farms Server Clustering Approach –Act as a single server without an external load balancer

Server Farms Reliability –If one server’s hardware fails, operation continues without interruption –However, software failures often take down all servers simultaneously

Server Configuration When Server Operating System is Installed, it Must be Configured –Complex task with many steps, many of which require you to have conceptual knowledge –Requires training –Valuable skill

Ongoing Work Server Systems Administration is Labor- Intensive on a Continuing Basis –Assigning and changing rights for users –Backup –…