Chapter 9 Introduction to the Server
371
thin server
a server that has
only the hardware
and software needed
to support and run
a specifi c function,
such as Web services,
print services, and
fi le services.
thin client server
a server that provides
applications and
processing power to
a thin client.
thin client
a computer that relies
on the thin client
server’s processing
power and memory.
controller to provide security for the entire network, and another server to provide
application software, a database for its clients, and support for print operations.
The more services a server provides and the more clients it services creates
a higher demand on the server. A single server with a limited amount of
services may be fi ne for a relatively small number of users, typically less than
25. A commercial enterprise spanning across the country or world may require
hundreds of servers. The network administrator or network designer decides
the number and capacity of individual servers needed by taking into account the
number of users and the system’s predicted network traffi c.
Each network system is uniquely designed, even though each network has
many similarities. Some network equipment providers have software programs
that help you design a network. You simply enter information, such as the number
of clients, offi ces, cities, and countries and the type of software and services to be
provided. After all the information is collected, the software program provides
an estimate of the size and number of servers required. We will discuss this topic
later in Chapter 19—Designing and Installing a New Network.
Thin Servers
A thin server is a server that has only the hardware and software needed to
support and run a specifi c function, such as Web services, print services, and fi le
services. It is more economical to use a thin server as a print server than to tie up
a more expensive server simply to handle printing on a network. IBM markets
a thin server, which consists of a sealed box that contains only the essential
hardware and software required for supporting the server’s dedicated function.
Thin Client Servers
A thin client server is a server that provides applications and processing
power to a thin client. Thin client servers run terminal server software and may
have more RAM and hard disk drive storage than needed. A thin client is a
computer that typically has a minimal amount of processing power and memory.
Figure 9-1.
Servers provide
a variety of
services, such as
authentication and
security, Web, mail,
and print.
Authentication
and security
database server Web server Mail server Print server
Internet
connection