File Servers

A file server stands as the heart of most networks. It is a very fast computer with a large amount of RAM and storage space, along with a fast network interface card. The network operating system software resides on this computer, along with the software applications and data files that need to be shared.

The file server controls the communication of information between the nodes on a network. For example, it may be asked to send a word processor program to one workstation, receive a database file from another workstation and store an e-mail message during the same time period. This requires a computer that can store a lot of information and share it very quickly. File servers should have at least the following characteristics:

1. 166 Megahertz or fast microprocessor (Pentium, Power PC)
2. A fast hard drive with at least nine Gigabytes of storage
3. A RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks ) to preserve data after a disk casualty
4. A tape back-up unit (i.e. DAT, JAZ, Zip, or CD-RW drive)
5. Numerous expansion slots
6. Fast network interface card
7. At least of 32 MB of RAM