Caution
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Networking Fundamentals
It relies on the server’s processor and memory for processing data and running
software applications. Thin clients are becoming common in industry for such
applications as hotel bookings, airline ticketing, and medical record access.
When budgets are tight, you can install what is normally considered an
obsolete PC on a thin client network. The obsolete PC is obsolete because of its
processing speed, lack of storage, and inability to run new software. The thin
client server can provide all the services that are required by the obsolete PC,
thus making the obsolete PC a useful workstation.
Do not confuse a thin client with a dumb terminal. A dumb terminal sends
user input to a mainframe. Dumb terminals have absolutely no computing
power, operating system, hard disk drive, BIOS, and RAM. A thin client may not
need a hard disk drive or an operating system; however, it is still a full-fl edged
computer because it has a CPU and processing power.
Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Server 2008 come
with Terminal Services software. Once Terminal Services is set up on the server,
you have the option to generate a disk that will assist you in automatically setting
up thin client workstations.
Server Classifi cation by Number of CPUs
Servers vary a great deal by size and power. The number of processors
they contain usually classifi es them. For example, Sun Microsystems has three
classifi cations of servers: entry-level, midrange, and high-end. Sun Microsystems
defi nes these classifi cations by the number of processors they contain. A Sun
Microsystems entry-level server has up to 8 processors. A midrange server has up
to 30 processors, and a high-end server has up to 106 processors. Other vendor’s
defi nitions vary somewhat, but this gives you a general idea. In this chapter, we
focus on the HP ProLiant DL740 server. The HP ProLiant DL740 is one of the most
powerful entry-level servers manufactured.
Major Server Components
It is assumed you have some PC hardware background from completing a
course on PC service and repair or have a CompTIA A+ Certifi cation. If not, it is
strongly advised that you take a course in PC repair or, at the very least, complete
a home study program. A good background in PC hardware proves to be
benefi cial to anyone working with network servers. As a matter of fact, IBM and
other companies require the CompTIA A+ Certifi cation as part of its progression
toward certifi cation as a server technician.
When handling electronic components, it is standard practice to use
electrostatic discharge (ESD) safety practices. Electronic components based on
complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology can be easily
damaged by static electricity. The human body and clothing can build up a
tremendous static electricity charge. When touching a static-sensitive electronic
component, the static electricity can discharge and cause the component to be
destroyed. To avoid damaging electronic components, use an antistatic wrist
strap, which is designed to drain static charges safely.
Do not use an antistatic wrist strap when servicing any component with live voltage present.