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Friday 03rd of September 2010

File Server

A file server differs from a personal computer (PC) in that the server is dedicated to storing files in a centralized location while permitting access to networked computers.

By having a file server, users can save work and have access to files without having to arry around a disk. Access privileges can be restricted to guests and registered users. Meanwhile a centralized location means once place to backup all files.

EraCore.Net provided file servers allow networked computers to share files at their discretion. Servers also allow you to save work and have access to it without carrying around a disk. On a personal file server, you can restrict access privileges to guests and registered users.

This is the most common type of server in small businesses. A file server enables all files to be stored in a central location, which accommodates centralized backup strategies (one place to backup all files) and security implementation (depending on the operating system, individuals can be assigned different access rights to stored information).

EraCore.Net provided file servers works great as a network file server, allows files on the server to be viewed and edited on any Windows 95/98/ME/2000/NT PC or Macintosh computer. In fact, you can connect to shares on the Linux file server, just as you would on your Windows NT/2000 file server. Everything will look the same and there are no per-user licenses required. Benefits include :

  • Files on the network server are backed up on a regular basis. If you inadvertently deleted an important file, it can be retrieved from the backup. In addition, if you have a hard drive failure the files you saved on the network server will not be affected.
  • Files can be shared with others. Several people may be working on a document. Storing  the file in a shared directory allows each person to directly work on the document as  needed.
  • If you use several PCs in the course of your work, files on the server are available from any local PC. So you have access to the files whether you are at your personal office PC  or using a coworker's PC.
Software components needed to let linux act as a file server for Windows, MacOS, Linux and Unix client systems are:
  • Samba: provides access for Windows, Linux/Unix, and MacOS clients. Samba uses the Windows Server Message Block (SMB) and Common Internet Filesystem (CIFS) protocols. Samba provides an interface for networks using Microsoft’s Active Directory.
  • Network File System (NFS): provides file access for Linux/Unix MacOS clients and for Microsoft systems using Microsoft’s Services For Unix.
NFS is an open standard, cross-platform file system utility with implementations available for a wide range of operating systems, architectures, platforms, and appliances, from embedded systems to mainframes and high-performance clusters. NFS provides file sharing for Unix, Linux, mainframes, and other file systems, including Mac OS X.

For specialized file serving needs, such as high-end clusters, EraCore.Net also offers other file server technologies such as Global File System and Cluster Suite. Linux file server can provide related network services, including name resolution and browsing, and can be used as a WINS (Windows Internet Name Server) server to resolve NetBios name service requests.

Custom configuration available upon request.
 

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