Network Software Configuration

Network Software Configuration

Introduction

In order for a network solution to provide any benefit to the users, the machines connected to the network must be able to communicate with one another. Besides the proper physical connections, network software is needed to facilitate communication between the devices. Some might wonder - what is a network good for anyway? The answer is simple. If a network has been created, obviously there are multiple computers and peripheral devices connected to the network. "All networks, whether big or small, are typically created so that users on a network can share resources and communicate" (Habraken, 2004, pg 9). There are many different types of network software available to make this happen.

Software is defined as: "the detailed instructions to operate a computer, differentiation instructions (I.E., the program) from the hardware" (Newton, 2005, pg 779). First of the network server must be running the required server software. Each client or device connected to the network must also be net aware; meaning, either there is built in software, or additional software installed to allow the device to communicate over the network. Some of the more widely used network software capabilities include: file, hardware and program sharing; user communication services, such as email, network conferencing, and instant messaging. Protecting the network is another big concern. Firewall hardware and/or software, as well as antivirus software can be used to provide this protection.

Network Operating System & Client Software

The network operating system (NOS) performs many functions. Some of the more popular network operating systems available are the Windows 2000 Server and the Windows 2003 Server. There are many other rival NOSs available however. "It is the NOS that ties computers and peripherals into a LAN by creating a server computer, which provides the communications center for the network" (Habraken, 2004, pg 132). The server "serves" up information that the client machine is requesting. The client machine must also be capable of communicating with the network. Client machines can become net aware either by software included in the operating system (such as Windows XP), or by additional software installed on the machine (such as Novell NetWare). Either way, without the software on both ends of the equation, neither the client machine nor the server can communicate effectively.

Protocols, another type of software, are a set of rules used to format the messages that are being exchanged between computers. Sent messages are broken down in to smaller pieces (also known as packets), sent, and then reassembled on the receiving end. In this way, the devices on a network can therefore communicate.

File, Hardware & Program Sharing

One major benefit of networked computers is that files can be shared, hardware devices can be shared, and programs can be house in a central area and access by multiple computers. Data management software can be used to "serve" files in one place and make the information accessible to users throughout the entire network. File transfer protocol (FTP) can also be used to transfer files from one computer to another on a network. "A networked computer, usually consisting of fixed-disk storage and a CPU, that controls one or more printers that can be shared by users" (Newton, 2005, pg 669).

Print drivers are used to control how printers and computers interact by providing a printing interface, font descriptions, and other printer optional features. Another popular use of networks is to host applications and/or databases on a server so they can be stored and maintained in one place, and still be access by users spread out over a small or large area. Networks can also use software to configure Internet connection sharing. Web services can be set up to host a web site. The web server stores files and uses the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) to transmit and