Overview

• Understanding Computer Basics

• Understanding Network Basics

• Designing Your Network

The End Result

When you finish reading this chapter, you ll understand the basics of a network. You ll also be able to design your network or review your existing network so you can prepare to install the Windows Small Business Server 2003 (SBS) software. If you re familiar with networks, you can use this chapter as a quick review. If you re not, this chapter will help you understand networking enough for you to make informed choices about how to configure your network infrastructure.

Understanding Computer Basics

If you already understand some of the basics of the computer world, you can skip this section and jump right into the next one. We re going to quickly review some terminology so you don t get lost in the jargon.

Server A computer that provides vital services to the network, which can include security, file sharing, applications, and printing, among other things. Servers run a network operating system to provide networking capabilities. This includes Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Small Business Server 2003 (which is Windows Server 2003 with a few limitations and bundled with other applications).

Client A computer that uses the services provided by servers. Client computers are also called user computers, workstations or desktops, and are used for daily tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, or Internet access by users. Clients run a workstation or desktop operating system to provide user...