Network Management, Domains, and Resource Sharing Configuration

Network Management Fundamentals

Network management consists of deciding how to configure the network, joining teams, determining what permissions users will have, and handling all tasks related to the operation of the network.

Client/Server Network Architecture

A client/server network consists of the following components:

• Server: Network equipment more powerful than the others, acting as the central controller. The server sets up the network and its policies.
• Client Computers: Devices connected to the server that depend on it for resources and services.
• Shares (Resources): Devices like printers, faxes, and other peripherals used by all network users.
• Connection Devices: Equipment that connects all the computers composing the network (e.g., switches, routers).

User Account Permissions and Types

User account permissions or privileges are actions that a user can perform on a computer, such as:

• Changing configurations
• Creating software installations
• Setting folder permissions

There are three main types of user accounts:

• Guest Accounts: Allow users to easily access their own team, but with few privileges.
• Administrator Accounts: Allow users to change all the settings on the computer.
• User Accounts: Accounts typically configured with limited permissions.

Workgroups and Network Domains

Network operations generally do not involve working with all computers connected to a network simultaneously, but rather with a select few. These smaller groupings, which facilitate location and management, are called working groups.

You can have more than one client/server setup, and each centralized setup is called a domain. Domains are useful for better network management and allow users to be validated on any computer within that domain.

A domain is a grouping of computers centered around a server that stores:

• The list of users
• Permissions
• Individual settings

These servers are called domain controllers (or domain servers) and centralize the administration and security of all associated computers.

The Importance of Resource Sharing

The main advantage of networked computers is the ability to share information and resources. However, it is necessary to define who can access each resource and who cannot. Therefore, a network requires identifying users so that access to shared resources can be allowed or denied. User groups typically share the same privileges.

Procedure for Sharing Network Resources

Follow these steps to share a drive or folder:

1. Locate the drive or folder to share. Right-click (or click the left mouse button, depending on configuration) and select Sharing and Security.
2. Enable the option Share this folder on the network. Type a name for the resource in the Share name text box (this is the name other computers will see).
3. Define the type of access. If you want the folder to be viewable but not changeable, leave the box Allow network users to change my files unchecked. Otherwise, check it.
4. Click OK to activate the shared folder or drive. Shared resources are typically indicated by a hand-shaped icon.