Linux system as server
A Linux server is a
high-powered variant of the Linux open
source operating
system that's
designed to handle the more demanding needs of business applications such as
network and system administration, database management and Web
services.
Linux servers are frequently
selected over other server operating systems for their stability, security and
flexibility advantages. Leading Linux server operating systems include
CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu Server, Slackware and Gentoo.
Definition - What does Linux Server mean?
A Linux server is an efficient, powerful
variant of the Linux open source operating system (OS). Linux servers are built
to address the ever-increasing requirements of business applications like
system and network administration, Web services and database management.
Linux servers are often preferred over other
server operating systems because of their reputation for security, consistency and flexibility. Some examples of Linux server
operating systems are CentOS, Ubuntu Server, Gentoo, Debian, Slackware,
and so on. Linux is considered the best option for operating servers because there is no need
for a graphical user interface; all commands can be executed via command prompt.
This helps users to attain maximum system performance.
Linux As a File Server
Perhaps the most fundamental need on a small network is a file server. File
servers supply common places to store data, thus allowing shared files to be
accessed by all users who need them and providing centralized locations for
backing up files (thereby eliminating the need for daily data backups on each
workstation on a network).
On a Windows or Novell network, this is generally done in one of two ways:
• Using dedicated file servers
• Using peer-to-peer networks
Linux As a Print Server
In addition to file servers, print servers are another component of the network. Generally, a dedicated file server also plays the role of offering print services to the network, serving double duty.
It is not uncommon to find print services provided in both a centralized, dedicated fashion and the peer-to-peer method on the same network. Some users who use a printer heavily may warrant their own printers at their desks, while others who use the printers less frequently may share a printer located in a common area. Often, a user with a dedicated printer shares it on the network so that other users can print documents for that user’s attention directly to the dedicated printer rather than to the common shared printer.
Linux, of course, can work in both environments. Linux supports a healthy range of printers, including most PostScript and HP-compatible PCL printers. In addition, its printer-sharing options include the ability to share printers on Unix/Linux, Windows, and Novell networks.
Linux As a Database Server
Like most Unix platforms, Linux has long had a wide selection of free database packages available for it, including Postgress and mSQL. Starting in 1998, though, major commercial database vendors gave Linux a boost in the database market by announcing and releasing Linux versions of their products.
Where Linux once provided only an attractive alternative for file servers and Web servers in an organization, Linux can now be deployed as a robust, scalable database platform for an organization using standard, widely used relational database systems.
Combining a Linux-powered database with a Linux-powered Web server allows Linux to serve as a complete intranet server solution.
Linux As an Intranet Server
Intranets: internal corporate networks that use Internet technology such as TCP/IP, Web browsers, and Internet-standard e-mail to share information and applications within an organization.Even in small offices, an intranet can provide a convenient way to publish information to be read by all employees through a Web browser. With a little forethought, some of the paperwork in your office can be eliminated by introducing electronic, online, Web-based forms for everything from leave requests to expense report submissions.
In addition, if you have small databases scattered across your organization, each used on a daily basis by different users, an intranet can provide a common means by which occasional users of the data can access the information in a database without needing full access to the database tools used to create, maintain, and update the data. By integrating the database with an intranet Web server, simple Web-based forms can be used to query the database.
Linux, which offers a wealth of powerful and flexible Web servers as well as fully functional relational database systems, can allow the creation of an intranet server without the cost involved in deploying Windows NT/2000, a commercial database such as Oracle, and an expensive Web database integration tool. There are even some free tools for Linux that make it relatively easy to produce intranet programs and applications that make use of your corporate databases.
Linux As an Applications Server
Linux is by nature designed to act as both a file/print/intranet server and a fullfledged applications server. With an applications server, applications actually run on the server and are only displayed on a terminal or workstation, using the X Windows protocol or a terminal connection such as Telnet. In contrast, on many typical Windows networks, the applications run on the desktop and the data is stored on the server and accessed there. For some types of applications and in some situations, centralizing the running of applications can bring both performance and management benefits. If you are running a Windows or Novell network, a Linux system can act as an applications server for several purposes:
• Running character-based programs such as powerful Unix/Linux mail software
• Running a custom-designed, character-based database interface to a centralized Linux database
• Accessing custom in-house applications, such as a corporate telephone book, designed to run in a Unix/Linux shell
Where budgets are low, Linux can create full-fledged GUI networks without the hardware or software expense of running Windows 95/98/Me or NT/2000.
Linux As a Router
The concept of a router is simple: Where two or more networks need to be connected, a router is the device that makes it possible to communicate between the networks.
Linux has all the features needed to act as a router:
Perhaps the most fundamental need on a small network is a file server. File
servers supply common places to store data, thus allowing shared files to be
accessed by all users who need them and providing centralized locations for
backing up files (thereby eliminating the need for daily data backups on each
workstation on a network).
On a Windows or Novell network, this is generally done in one of two ways:
• Using dedicated file servers
• Using peer-to-peer networks
Linux As a Print Server
In addition to file servers, print servers are another component of the network. Generally, a dedicated file server also plays the role of offering print services to the network, serving double duty.
It is not uncommon to find print services provided in both a centralized, dedicated fashion and the peer-to-peer method on the same network. Some users who use a printer heavily may warrant their own printers at their desks, while others who use the printers less frequently may share a printer located in a common area. Often, a user with a dedicated printer shares it on the network so that other users can print documents for that user’s attention directly to the dedicated printer rather than to the common shared printer.
Linux, of course, can work in both environments. Linux supports a healthy range of printers, including most PostScript and HP-compatible PCL printers. In addition, its printer-sharing options include the ability to share printers on Unix/Linux, Windows, and Novell networks.
Linux As a Database Server
Like most Unix platforms, Linux has long had a wide selection of free database packages available for it, including Postgress and mSQL. Starting in 1998, though, major commercial database vendors gave Linux a boost in the database market by announcing and releasing Linux versions of their products.
Where Linux once provided only an attractive alternative for file servers and Web servers in an organization, Linux can now be deployed as a robust, scalable database platform for an organization using standard, widely used relational database systems.
Combining a Linux-powered database with a Linux-powered Web server allows Linux to serve as a complete intranet server solution.
Linux As an Intranet Server
Intranets: internal corporate networks that use Internet technology such as TCP/IP, Web browsers, and Internet-standard e-mail to share information and applications within an organization.Even in small offices, an intranet can provide a convenient way to publish information to be read by all employees through a Web browser. With a little forethought, some of the paperwork in your office can be eliminated by introducing electronic, online, Web-based forms for everything from leave requests to expense report submissions.
In addition, if you have small databases scattered across your organization, each used on a daily basis by different users, an intranet can provide a common means by which occasional users of the data can access the information in a database without needing full access to the database tools used to create, maintain, and update the data. By integrating the database with an intranet Web server, simple Web-based forms can be used to query the database.
Linux, which offers a wealth of powerful and flexible Web servers as well as fully functional relational database systems, can allow the creation of an intranet server without the cost involved in deploying Windows NT/2000, a commercial database such as Oracle, and an expensive Web database integration tool. There are even some free tools for Linux that make it relatively easy to produce intranet programs and applications that make use of your corporate databases.
Linux As an Applications Server
Linux is by nature designed to act as both a file/print/intranet server and a fullfledged applications server. With an applications server, applications actually run on the server and are only displayed on a terminal or workstation, using the X Windows protocol or a terminal connection such as Telnet. In contrast, on many typical Windows networks, the applications run on the desktop and the data is stored on the server and accessed there. For some types of applications and in some situations, centralizing the running of applications can bring both performance and management benefits. If you are running a Windows or Novell network, a Linux system can act as an applications server for several purposes:
• Running character-based programs such as powerful Unix/Linux mail software
• Running a custom-designed, character-based database interface to a centralized Linux database
• Accessing custom in-house applications, such as a corporate telephone book, designed to run in a Unix/Linux shell
Where budgets are low, Linux can create full-fledged GUI networks without the hardware or software expense of running Windows 95/98/Me or NT/2000.
Linux As a Router
The concept of a router is simple: Where two or more networks need to be connected, a router is the device that makes it possible to communicate between the networks.
Linux has all the features needed to act as a router:
- Support for multiple Ethernet cards
- Support for regular modems and high-speed connections such as DSL and cable modems
- Support for IP forwarding (the means by which packets can be received, analyzed, and rerouted by the Linux-based router)
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