 - A home server is a computer that functions as a server in a client-server home network. For small networks, a personal computer works perfectly well for this purpose, provided there is sufficient storage space on the hard drive, and provided there is sufficient memory. It is important that the Internet connection have sufficient bandwidth to handle multiple users concurrently.
If a home network has more than two or three computers, there are distinct advantages to the client-server topology as compared with the peer-to-peer topology. Each user can log onto any computer in the network with a unique user ID and password. Each computer has all the network resources available to it in theory, although access to certain files can be restricted for some users (children, for example). No matter which computer a user logs onto, it defaults to that user's preferences and desktop settings. Because all the data for all users is on the home server hard drive, everyone's data can be conveniently backed up.
Having a home server may appeal to technophiles who enjoy tinkering with, and learning about, networks and servers, even when the client-server topology is not a strict requirement.
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Learn more about Working With Servers and Desktops |
| Troubleshooting -- 'Network Know-How' Chapter 17: Troubleshooting, Chapter 17 of 'Network Know-How,' shows tools and methods that identify and solve network problems. Use this chapter as a tutorial to fixing computer connections. |
| Network navigation -- Chapter 6 of 'Microsoft Windows Vista Administration': Microsoft introduced a new way to view and navigate a network with Windows Vista. This chapter examines new network navigation tools and managing network connections with Vista. |
| Network administration guide: Network administration responsibilities, such as network design, troubleshooting, backup, documentation, security, and managing users are discussed in this guide. |
| Network administration: Help for designing, managing and troubleshooting your network: Helpful tips for network administration design, management and troubleshooting are presented in this guide. |
| Top five administrator tips of '05: This collection of our top five administrator tips focus on strategies for maximizing network uptime and efficiency while minimizing security risks and vulnerability. |
| LAST UPDATED: |
27 Jan 2006
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