Introduction
Systems servers have hugely modified the management and running computer networks in institutions. Operating systems for servers are a set up of arranged components put together to maintain and make sure there is well-organized delivery of services in server utility. Various companies have designed wide ranging types of operating systems for servers. This is done according to the desired function of the system. The operating systems have also been advanced from time to time to make sure effectiveness in network administration.
Comparison between Server Operating Systems
UNIX Server
This operating system applies the server- user technique which works appropriately for both workstations and system servers. The server operating system has facilitated the expansion of internet technology since it enables easier management of networked computers from one central server machine. The main feature of the Unix Server operating system is its simple design created for the purpose of multi tasking and easy portability. UNIX further comes with a micro kernel which offers the capabilities of file management and efficient running of programs. The operating system is also designed to store large data amounts using the plain text concept (Burleson, 2002).
Applying the use of UNIX server operating systems has significant advantages as compared to other operating systems. Firstly, the operating system has the ability to work as an independent print and mail server. This reduces the risks experienced in exchange of files and mail between the server and clients. UNIX also offers security to private mails reducing the chances of system hacking. Another advantage experienced by using UNIX is the stability offered by the operating system. Unlike other servers, running and using the operating system is easy and does not necessarily need skilled people to use it (Fenner, 2004). The stability reduces crashing of machines hence the appropriate operating system for organizational use. To add on these advantages, the operating system is designed in a way that enables multitasking. This allows several users to perform their tasks without causing hitches to the network system. The system does not require large physical memory since UNIX has a powerful virtual memory that can handle a number of programs simultaneously.
According to Fenner (2004), UNIX is however, associated with several limitations such as the technicality required for its configuration. This calls for well acquainted personnel to offer commands and handle the tasks such as file documentation. Since many users are unfamiliar to UNIX, they find the operating system less compatible because it cannot run specified programs. Another limitation experienced by UNIX is the hostility associated with the commands. The operating system requires operation via commands with complex encryption which are not understood by many users.
Novell server
Novell operating system for servers and workstations has its foundation from the operations of Linux server. The operating system also goes by the name Novell Netware. This operating system has the capability to carry out complex tasks and produce high level services within a network (Johnson, 2003). Novell operating system performs extensive networking services such as file sharing and management of hardware such as printers, queue messages and other networking equipments. The main features that come with the software are unique and efficient. These features include the Novell Kernel which enables installation to the system and its operation. Novell Netware is assembled with a set up of nodes which enable easy sharing of files and network services between the user and server. The Novell kernel further allows users to choose suitable platforms according to their needs since it is produced in different forms.
This operating system is associated with several benefits that give it an upper hand over other system servers. To begin with, running of the software applications is easy and simple to use after installation to the system (Johnson, 2003). This makes the use of Novell reliable since the system server does not require repeated maintenance. Most organizations run their business transactions without worries of system breakdown due to Novell’s reliability. One more advantage for Novell is the capability to perform tasks at a faster rate hence efficient communication between the users and the administrator. This also enables quick delivery of files within the system enhancing transfer of documents with reliable web server. The use of Novell software enables easy support for large files and offers security against hackers hence no threats to users’ files.
The main limitation for using Novell operating system is based on poor scalability caused by high speeds during set up of the operating systems. Set up configuration calls for well trained personnel to ensure the services are reconfigured properly. An additional limitation associated with Novell is the large amount of disk space and internal memory required for software installation. This causes inconvenience to the users since they have to upgrade the hardware to enable installation. Further more, Novell software installation undergoes long procedures that demand long periods of time (Harris, 2003).
Windows 2003 Server
Windows 2003 was created and distributed by Microsoft in 2003. The operating system has enhanced peculiar features developed from its predecessors. The production of windows 2003 shaped the use of server-client operations in networking and exchange of businesses products (Garza, 2010). The operating system is produced in diverse editions according to the use, business type and tasks performed. It further has a special feature to operate either as an independent server or a domain controller. Windows 2003 is designed to perform duties such as management of internet facilities, sharing of files, hardware and user authentication. The features established in windows 2003 include the directory systems which enable efficient layout control, management of file transfer and the Windows kernel which offers security to the network.
The reliability offered by windows 2003 package is the main advantage of the operating system over its predecessors. It enables reliability on the system since it is fast and coherent to both end users and the administrator (Hunt, 2005). The operating system has the ability to carry out operations faster with an advantage of down time. Windows 2003 is suitable for use in organizations because of its security as a domain controller. The operating system protects all files and documents in the system and demands for pass words before allowing for accessibility. Further more, windows 2003 calls for configuration of one machine to act as the server in the entire network. This is established on the capability to offer local and group policies in the entire system (Garza, 2010).
Conversely, Windows 2003 has a number of disadvantages. The major disadvantage is the cost involved in hiring of trained personnel to facilitate software installation. This results from difficulties caused to unskilled users during installation hence inconveniences. The operating system requires purchase of new hardware resources for proper operation. This includes acquisition of larger internal memory and processors with high speed for easier system configuration (Hunt, 2005).
Windows 2008 Server
This operating system came as a detailed upgrade of windows 2003. Windows 2008 server is appropriate for organizational purpose since it steps down the cost of operations. It has advanced features build on the basis of its predecessors which are applicable to most departments of Information technology. The operating system has the ability to offer sufficient services such as simplified network administration and proper file management. Windows 2008 performs these tasks at a faster rate and low costs. Further more, it comes with the features of virtualization which enable accessibility to resources from a work station (Tulloch, 2007).
Reasons for choosing Windows 2008
Windows 2008 is a suitable operating system for use in the modern world of information technology. Firstly, the operating system has advanced features with improved security. This has seen the reduction in hacking by protection from programs such as bit locker and random spacing of addresses. The improved security enables creation of user groups across the network. The concept of virtualization has enabled the operation of various virtual machines in the network under one physical computer as the server. This enhances creation and configuration of user groups across the system network because of efficient communication to the web server. These policies are mainly attained by connecting the policy objects to domains and web sites.
Group policies facilitate the preparation of active directories hence improved management of client and machine components. This technology is achieved by assuring ease of access of users to their information applications without necessarily being connected to the network. This is done by use of features such as application of roaming user profiles (Tulloch 2007). Conversely, roaming user profiles are found in the central machine and are easily obtained by all server users in the network. The profiles are kept in the server for distribution among the network users. The features also enable implementing a wide range of user profiles within the net work. The group policies are easily attained due to improved management and scalability of the network (Matthews, 2008).
The flexibility offered by windows 2008 ensures both administration and clients from work stations access group policies with ease and at faster rates. This creates advantages over other operating systems since resource sharing is also done efficiently. This is further accomplished by implementing the infrastructure of virtual desktops which enable simple network management from one central server (Tulloch, 2007). Windows 2008 also comes in small sizes compared to other operating systems. The software is easy to install and less time consuming. These features give windows 2008 a greater advantage over other operating systems making it a suitable choice for office use in large organizations.
Conclusion
The design and modification of operating systems have played important roles in the modern field of technology. The development has enabled easy access of the internet and appropriate management of network procedures because of the special features in newer versions of operating systems such as Windows server 2008. This has created an advantage to the users because of their availability in the market. The ability of variety in the market enables operating systems to perform different roles depending on the customers’ needs. System servers are a vital component in technology because of their simplicity in management of organizations.
References
Burleson, D.K., 2002. Oracle9i UNIX administration handbook. London: McGraw-Hill Professional.
Fenner, B. and Rudoff, A.M. 2004. UNIX Network Programming: the sockets networking API. Arizona: Addison-Wesley.
Garza, G., 2010. Windows Server 2003 – Pros and Cons. Web.
Harris, J., 2003. Novell NetWare 6.5 Administrator’s Handbook. New York: Que Publishing.
Hunt C. and Bragg, R., 2005. Windows Server 2003 network administration. Indianapolis: O’Reilly Media.
Johnson, D. Gaskin, E.J. and Cheung, D., 2003. Novell Netware 5.X to 6 upgrade. New York: Que Publishing.
Matthews, M., 2008. Microsoft Windows Server 2008: A Beginner’s Guide. London: McGraw-Hill Professional.
Tulloch, M., 2007. Introducing Windows Server 2008.New York: Microsoft Press.