Hardware and Network Servicing

Level-III

Based on November 2023, Curriculum Version-II

Module Title: Configure and Administer Server

Module code: EIS HNS3 M01 1123

Nominal duration: 80 Hour

Prepared by: Ministry of Labor and Skill

Nov, 2023
Addis Ab
Introduction to the Module
This module provides you to acquire knowledge of administer and configure server that allow
user interface and networking systems, how to connect network devices and computer hardware
peripherals in general.
This module covers the units:
• Confirm server specification
• Verify server compatibility and inter-operability
• Configure and test server
Learning Objective of the Module
• Know server specification
• Check and Verify server compatibility and inter-operability
• Know how to Configure and test server
Module Instruction
For effective use this modules trainees are expected to follow the following module
instruction:
• Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide.
• Read the information that this module contains.

• Complete the Self-check.

• Submit your accomplished Self-check.

• Do the Operations which in the module.

• Do the LAP test in page (if you are ready) and show your output to your teacher.
Unit one: Confirm server specification

This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics:
• Overview of Server Operating System

• Confirming network operating system, server applications and server Design

• Identifying product, vendor architecture and equipment

• Identifying technology and resource

This unit will also support you to accomplish the learning outcomes stated in the cover
page. Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:

• Explain Server Operating System

• Define network operating system, server applications and server Design

• Identify product, vendor architecture and equipment

• Identify technology and resource

1. Overview of Server Operating System

 A server operating system is an advanced operating system designed to run on

servers.
 It has the necessary features and subsystems to operate in a client-server
architecture and serve clients’ requests .
 Server operating systems are optimized to provide more advanced features
and functions for client-server architectures or enterprise IT environments .
 Server operating systems offer various benefits compared to standard
operating systems, including unlimited user connections, more memory, and
advanced network optimizations
 They facilitate the implementation of various server platforms, such as web
servers, mail servers, file servers, database servers, application servers, and
print servers
 Windows Server 2008
 Released on February 2008
 GUI (graphical user interface) o Pictorial representation of computer
function NOS GIUs

 Enable administrator to manage files, users, groups, security, and printers

 Enhanced security, reliability, remote client support, and performance

 Has New server management features

 Editions: Standard Edition, Web Edition, Enterprise Edition, Datacenter

Edition

UNIX and Linux

 Popular NOS Provide resource sharing
 UNIX developed in 1969
 UNIX preceded, led to TCP/IP protocol suite development
 Most Internet servers run UNIX
 Efficient and flexible
 Window server 2012

 Edition: Foundation Edition , Essentials Edition, Standard Edition and

Datacenter Edition.

1.1. Confirming network operating system

Network Operating system

 A network operating system (NOS) is a specialized operating system

designed to run on network devices such as routers, switches, and
firewalls.
 It provides networking capabilities such as file and printer sharing,
client-server model, and Internet protocols .
Server application
 A server application is a program that runs on a server and provides services
to clients.
 It is designed to handle multiple requests from clients and provide them with
the necessary resources.
 Server applications can be used for various purposes, such as web hosting,
email hosting, file sharing, and database management.
 An application server is a server-side program that uses one or more
communication protocols to offer business logic behind any consumer or
business application in a single or distributed network
 It is designed to provide a platform for running business-critical applications,
such as a self-hosted CRM or a SaaS.
 An application server usually functions as a shared environment for various
collaborative applications.
  A web server is a server that hosts programs and data and responds to
client requests for web pages or other web-based services. Common web
servers are Apache, Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS).
 A mail server allows users to forward and receive emails for and from
their business and controls individual email accounts based on a specific
domain.
 A file server involves a joint storage point for a business to store
documents or data a network drive.
 A database server includes database integration, which facilitates
dynamic web page building based on the database contents.
 A print server allows multiple machines to use a single printer.

Server Design
 Server design can refer to two different things:
 server operating systems and
 server applications.
 A server operating system is an advanced operating system designed to run on
servers.
 It has the necessary features and subsystems to operate in a client-server
architecture and serve clients’ requests.
 A server OS is designed from the ground up to provide features suitable for
multi-user, business-critical applications.
 It provides the central interface for managing users, implementing security,
and other administrative processes. The focus of a server operating system is
usually security, stability, and cooperation.
1.2. Identifying product, vendor architecture and equipment

Identify specifications

 Once requirements have been defined and client needs are clarified,
it’s time to start thinking about identifying products that fit the solution. In
this case, we need to focus on the possible server solutions.
  Remember: a server consists of
 Hardware

 Software

 Network connections.
 There are different types of server designs that need to be considered
when identifying equipment.
 here are multiple server architectures to choose from, including
 Mainframe architecture
 File sharing architecture
 Client/server architecture
 Web based architecture
 Thin client architecture
 Blade architecture.

Product architecture
 Product architecture is the organization of a product’s functional elements and
the ways these elements interact.

 It plays a significant role in how to design, make, sell, use, and repair a new
product offering .

 There are two fundamental types of product architecture: Modular and Integral.

Modular

 In the modular type, well-defined component interfaces functionally self-

contain modules.

 Organize a product into a number of modules to develop and complete a

specific function.

 The interaction of these modules carries out the product’s overall purpose.
  The advantages of modular include task allocation and outsourcing. As well
as, economies of scale, reuse/standardization for developing new products,
maintenance, and mass customization.

Integral

 With integral product architecture, functions are shared by physical elements.

 There’s greater complexity of mapping between components and functions.

Identify vendor architecture

 Each vendor in the marketplace supports specific platforms and server

architecture.
 When selecting equipment for the server, you will need to consider the
hardware and software platforms from each vendor.
 Hardware platform refers to the hardware components that make up the
computer system.
 Software platform refers to the operating system or programming language
developed for the hardware.
1.3. Identifying technology and resource

 Detailed information about server hardware is available from the server

documentation and from the hardware manufacturer’s website.
 At a minimum, the server vendor will have a component list detailing what
hardware is in the server.

Identify and evaluate resources

Overview of server technologies

 Hardware technology refers to the physical components that make up a computer

system, such as the CPU, RAM, hard disk, and display.
 It can also mean the technology, materials, tools, and documents that are necessary
or useful to commercialize, develop, test, manufacture, or use certain hardware
products, such as sensors.
 It can also mean the term used to describe how a computer’s hardware and
software work together.
 Some common server-side technologies include backend frameworks, backend
development platforms, and server-side programming languages
 _________________________________________________________________________
____________
Unit Two: Verify server compatibility and inter-operability

This Unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following
content coverage and topics

• Reviewing Hardware and software to ensure compatibility

• Obtaining all hardware required

• Installing required operating system and software

• Installing additional tools or third-party software

• Patching operating system and applications

This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page.

Specifically, upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to

• Review Hardware and software to ensure compatibility

• Obtain all hardware required

• Install required operating system and software

• Install additional tools or third-party software

• Define operating system and applications

2.1. Reviewing Hardware and software to ensure compatibility

Server compatibility
Ensuring server compatibility involves a comprehensive evaluation of various
components to guarantee seamless integration and optimal performance.
 Firstly, confirm that the chosen central processing unit (CPU) aligns with the
motherboard by checking the CPU socket type and chipset compatibility.
 Verify that Random Access Memory (RAM) modules are supported by both
the motherboard and CPU, taking into account factors like RAM type,
capacity, and recommended operating speeds.
 Additionally, check the compatibility of storage drives, RAID controllers,
and networking interface cards (NICs) to guarantee proper functionality.
 Ensure that the power supply unit (PSU) matches the server chassis and
motherboard, providing sufficient power output and appropriate connectors.
For graphics processing units (GPUs), if applicable, confirm compatibility
with the motherboard's PCIe slots and check for any power supply
requirements.
 Matching the server chassis and motherboard form factors is crucial, as well
as ensuring cooling solutions are compatible with both the CPU and chassis.
 Lastly, confirm that the chosen operating system is supported, considering
driver availability and compatibility with the server's hardware. Regularly
consult manufacturer documentation and compatibility lists, and conduct
testing in a controlled environment to preemptively identify and address any
compatibility issues.

Ensuring Hardware Compatibility

  Networking is hardware-dependent, and not all hardware products are
compatible. In order for two computers to communicate, they must use the
same protocol.
 Computer hardware raises similar issues.
 In some instances, two pieces of hardware simply can't communicate with
each other. For example, consider an analogy to automobile parts: two
parts might look alike and be able to perform the same function, but each is
designed to work in a different car.
When Hardware Is a Problem

 Hardware incompatibilities are a fact of life.

 In today's computer industry, hundreds of manufacturers develop hardware
and software.
 Each developer has a unique perspective on the best way to accomplish the
same task, and each will provide a unique solution.
 Copyright and patent issues further complicate the matter.
 Evaluating and selecting hardware is a major part of planning for network
implementation.
 It is likely that you will have to create a network out of an existing collection
of hardware.
 The most common incompatibilities occur between hardware and software.
 Changing or upgrading a computer or network operating system can lead to
major problems.
Reading the Documentation

 Read all the documentation about the products involved. Your hardware or
software might have a recurring problem or might conflict with another
product. Frequently, the manufacturer will document these conflicts and
provide a fix. If you do not find the solution in the supplied documentation,
you might contact the manufacturer of the product and ask for undocumented
conflicts.

Detection during Installation

  When you install a new computer or network operating system, your
computer will usually attempt to detect the hardware in the system during the
installation process and load the appropriate drivers for it.
 Check the list of detected hardware and ensure that it matches what is already
in the machine.

 If you are installing Novell's Intranet Ware, for example, the install utility will
automatically scan your computer for hardware such as hard disks, CD-ROM
drives, and NICs. If the devices are recognized, the appropriate drivers will
then be loaded for the recognized devices
Checking Minimum Requirements

 As a first step before you install, make sure that you exceed the minimum
requirements for the resources in the computer.
 These resources include processor speed, memory, and disk space.
 Table lists some minimum hardware requirements for server 2008

Category Minimum / Recommended Requirements

Processor • Minimum: 1.4GHz (x64 processor)

• Recommended: 2GHz or faster
Note: For Itanium based systems an Intel Itanium 2 processor is required.

Memory • Minimum: 512MB RAM

• Recommended: 2GB RAM or greater
• Maximum: 8GB (Foundation) 32GB (Standard) or 2TB (Enterprise,
Datacenter and Itanium-Based Systems)

Available Disk • Minimum: 10GB

Space • Recommended: 40GB or greater
Note: Systems with RAM in excess of 16GB will require greater
amounts of disk space to accommodate paging, hibernation, and dump
 files

Drive DVD-ROM drive

Display and • Super VGA or greater-resolution monitor (800x600)

Peripherals • Keyboard
• Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
Table 1. Minimum Hardware Requirements for window server 2008
operating system
Network Hardware
 Network hardware is not as susceptible as software to conflicts and
compatibility problems. Connectivity Devices, covers the basics of how
these devices (repeaters, bridges, routers, routers, and gateways) work.
 Since these devices are common to many different types of networks and
work mainly with data packets, they are less likely to present conflicts.
 The manufacturers of these products maintain strict adherence to the IEEE
802.x standards.
 Therefore, any device that meets an IEEE standard can communicate with
another device that meets the same standard.
Obtaining all hardware required

 The first step in obtaining a networking device is to put suppliers of that

device. Then, there are factors you need to consider about the supplier and
the devices on offer, such as support provided and purchase price.
 This will help you to compare and choose the most appropriate supplier and
the exact model of the device according to client requirements.
 Finally, you are ready to place an order for your organization or client to
purchase the device.
2.3. Installing required operating system and software
 A server operating system is an advanced operating system designed to run on
servers. It has the necessary features and subsystems to operate in a client-
server architecture and serve clients’ requests. A server OS is designed from the
ground up to provide features suitable for multi-user, business-critical
applications. It provides the central interface for managing users, implementing
security, and other administrative processes.

 Server operating systems are designed for platforms that act as web servers,
application servers, database servers, email servers, or other platforms
running on a dedicated server. Server operating systems offer various
 benefits compared to standard operating systems, including unlimited user
connections, more memory, and advanced network optimizations
 Figure 2.1 on operation sheet 1.1 is the first screen you’ll see. It allows you
to customize the installation language and the regional and keyboard
settings of the server. You’ll need to change some settings here if the
defaults do not match your language, region, and keyboard.

 For example, if you are in Ireland using an Irish-based keyboard, then these
defaults won’t suit you at all! The time zone won’t work correctly, currency
symbols will be wrong, and the keyboard layout will be totally wrong. For
example, you will struggle to find the backslash (\), which is kind of important
in the Windows world.

2.4. Installing additional tools or third-party software

 Third-party software is any software application or program that is developed

by a company or individual other than the original manufacturer or creator of
the device or operating system it is intended to run on.
 Third-party software is created by external developers or companies who are
not directly affiliated with the manufacturer of the hardware or the creator of
the operating system.
 Third-party software can encompass a wide range of applications, including
productivity tools, games, utilities, security software, and more.
 Third-party software is typically distributed separately from the operating
system or device it is designed for. Users can obtain it through various
channels, such as official app stores, websites, or other distribution platforms.
 Updates and support for third-party software are the responsibility of the
developers or companies that created the application. Users need to keep their
third-party software up to date to benefit from new features, bug fixes, and
security patches.
 Third-party software can be designed to integrate seamlessly with operating
systems or other software. Developers may create plugins, extensions, or APIs
that allow their software to interact with existing systems or applications.
 Third-party software often provides users with options for customization,
allowing them to tailor the software to their specific needs. It also allows for
specialization, as developers can focus on creating tools for specific niches or
industries.

2.5. Patching operating system and applications

 Patching an operating system is a process of updating the operating system to

address security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and introduce new features.
 Operating system vendors regularly release updates, known as patches or
updates, to maintain the security and functionality of a computer system.
 The process of patching an operating system involves downloading and
installing the latest updates from the vendor’s website or through an automatic
update mechanism.
 It is important to keep the operating system up-to-date to ensure that it is
protected against the latest security threats and that it is functioning optimally.
Security considerations are paramount, urging users to download from trusted
sources, keep software updated, and remain cautious about potential risks.
 Updates, support services, and different licensing models, such as freeware or
subscription-based approaches, characterize the landscape of patching an
operating system.
Unit Three: Configure and test server

This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics

• Configuring server

• Defining scope and applicability of testing

• Developing test plan

• Running system test

• Analyzing error report and making changes

• Validating changes or additions against specifications

This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page.

Specifically, upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to:

• Configure server

• Defining scope and applicability of testing

• Developing test plan

• Running system test

• Analyzing error report and making changes

• Validating changes or additions against specifications

3.1. Configuring server

 Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), a core component of

Windows Server.
 AD DS is a service that helps manage and organize a networked
environment, such as a company or an organization.
 It stores information about network resources, such as users, computers,
printers, and groups, in a centralized database called the Active Directory.
 The Active Directory has a hierarchical, tree-like structure, called the
Active Directory forest. The forest consists of domains, which are security
boundaries that have their own policies and objects. Domains are
organized into trees, and multiple trees can form a forest. For example, a
company may have a forest with domains for different regions or
departments.
 The network resources in the Active Directory are represented by objects,
which have attributes that define their characteristics. For example, a user
object may have attributes like username, email address, and group
memberships. Objects can be organized into containers called
organizational units (OUs), which allow administrators to manage them
more easily.
 AD DS provides authentication and authorization services, which means it
verifies the identity of users and determines what resources and actions
they are allowed to access based on their permissions and group
memberships. AD DS also enables Single Sign-On (SSO), which means
users can access multiple resources within the network without having to
re-enter their credentials.
 AD DS allows administrators to define and enforce security settings,
configurations, and restrictions across the network using Group Policies.
 Group Policies are applied to users and computers based on their location
in the Active Directory hierarchy. For example, a Group Policy may
specify the password policy or the desktop wallpaper for a certain OU.
Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services
 AD LDS is a feature of Windows Server that provides a lightweight,
directory-access protocol (LDAP) directory service.
 AD LDS is designed to offer directory services for applications without the
need for the full complexity of Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS).

 Key aspects of AD LDS:

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP): AD LDS uses LDAP, a
protocol for accessing and maintaining distributed directory information
services.
 It provides a standards-based method for interacting with the
directory service.

 Application Directory Partition: AD LDS operates as an

independent instance of the directory service, known as an
application directory partition. It allows organizations to
create and manage multiple directory instances on a single
server.

 Schema and Configuration Partitions: AD LDS has its

own schema and configuration partitions, separate from
those used by AD DS. This enables independent schema
extensions and configurations for each AD LDS instance.
 Independent Instances: Multiple instances of AD LDS can
run on the same server, each with its own configuration,
schema, and directory data. This makes it suitable for
scenarios where different applications require distinct
directory services.
 Lightweight and Flexible: AD LDS is designed to be
lightweight and flexible, making it suitable for scenarios
where a full-fledged Active Directory environment may be
unnecessary or impractical.
  Custom Schema Extensions: Organizations can extend the
schema within AD LDS to define custom object classes and
attributes based on the specific requirements of their
applications.
 Secure Directory Services: AD LDS supports secure
communication using protocols like SSL/TLS, ensuring the
confidentiality and integrity of directory data.
 Integration with AD DS: While AD LDS is distinct from
AD DS, it can be integrated with AD DS to provide
additional directory services.
DNS server
 A Domain Name System (DNS) server is a crucial component of computer
networks that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses.
 It plays a fundamental role in facilitating the communication between
devices on a network.
 Key aspects of a DNS server:
 Name Resolution: DNS servers resolve domain names to IP addresses,
allowing users to access websites and other resources using human-
readable names instead of numerical IP addresses.
 Hierarchical Structure: DNS uses a hierarchical structure with various
components like top-level domains (TLDs), domain names, and
subdomains.

 Recursive and Iterative Queries: DNS queries can be recursive or

iterative. In a recursive query, the DNS server provides the complete
answer to the client. In an iterative query, the server provides a referral
to another DNS server, and the client continues the query process.
 Authoritative and Non-Authoritative Servers: An authoritative DNS
server is responsible for storing and providing information about a
specific domain. Non-authoritative servers may cache information
obtained from authoritative servers.
 DNS Records: DNS servers store information in records such as A
(address) records for mapping domain names to IPv4 addresses, AAAA
records for IPv6 addresses, MX (Mail Exchange) records for email
routing, CNAME (Canonical Name) records for aliasing one domain to
another, and more.
 Forwarders: DNS servers can be configured with forwarders, which are
other DNS servers that handle queries on behalf of the local server. This
helps in reducing the time taken to resolve queries by leveraging the
caching capabilities of the forwarder.
 Root DNS Servers: The DNS system begins with root DNS servers that
maintain information about top-level domains (TLDs). They direct
queries to the authoritative servers for specific TLDs.
 DNS Caching: DNS servers cache query results to reduce the time taken
to resolve subsequent queries for the same domain name. This helps in
improving the performance of the DNS system.
DHCP server
 DHCP is a protocol that automates the assignment of IP addresses
and other configuration parameters to devices on a network.
 A DHCP server is responsible for managing and distributing IP addresses
and related information to devices on the network.
 IP addresses assigned by DHCP servers are leased for a specific duration
and must be renewed before expiration.
 DHCP servers have several benefits, such as preventing IP address
conflicts, simplifying network administration, and supporting both IPv4
and IPv6 protocols.
DHCP Scope
 A DHCP scope is a range of IP addresses and configuration settings that
a DHCP server is configured to provide.
  This means that a DHCP scope is a set of possible IP addresses that a
server can assign to devices on a network. For example, a DHCP
scope might be 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.100, meaning that the
server can give any of these addresses to a device that requests one.

 A DHCP scope also includes some other settings that affect how the
devices communicate on the network, such as the subnet mask, the
default gateway, and the DNS servers.
 Each scope is associated with a specific subnet and includes settings such
as lease duration and default gateway.
 This means that a DHCP scope is linked to a subset of a larger
network, called a subnet. A subnet is a group of devices that share a
common prefix in their IP addresses. For example, all the devices in
the scope 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.100 belong to the subnet
192.168.1.0/24, where /24 indicates the length of the prefix. A DHCP
scope also includes settings that determine how long a device can
keep an IP address (lease duration) and how to reach other networks
(default gateway).
 Reservations are optionally used to ensure that a DHCP client always
receives the same IP address.
 This means that a DHCP scope can have some exceptions, called
reservations that assign a specific IP address to a specific device. For
example, a reservation might be 192.168.1.10 for a printer, meaning
that the server will always give this address to

the printer and not to any other device. Reservations are useful for
devices that need a fixed IP address for identification or access
purposes.
Hyper-V
 Hypervisor Technology: Hyper-V is a Type 1 hypervisor, which means it runs
directly on the hardware without a host operating system. This improves the
efficiency and performance of virtualization.
 Host Operating System: Hyper-V is available as a feature on Windows Server
editions and Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. Users can
enable Hyper-V on their Windows-based systems for server or desktop
virtualization.
 Virtual Machines: Hyper-V allows users to create and run multiple virtual
machines (VMs) on a single physical server. Each VM has its own operating
system, applications, and settings, and is isolated from other VMs.

 Supported Guest Operating Systems: Hyper-V supports a wide range of guest

operating systems, including various versions of Windows, Linux, and other
compatible operating systems. Users can choose the operating system that
suits their needs and preferences for each VM.
 Integration Services: Hyper-V provides Integration Services, which are
drivers and services that enhance the interaction between the host and guest
operating systems.
 They include features such as improved performance, mouse integration, time
synchronization, and more.
 Dynamic Memory: Hyper-V includes Dynamic Memory, which allows the
memory allocation to VMs to be adjusted dynamically based on workload
demands. This optimizes the memory usage on the host and prevents wastage
or shortage of memory resources.
 Live Migration: Hyper-V supports Live Migration, which enables the
movement of running VMs from one host to another with minimal downtime.
This feature is useful for load balancing and maintaining high availability of
VMs.
 Snapshot and Checkpoints: Hyper-V allows users to take snapshots or
checkpoints of VMs at specific points in time. This feature allows users to
 save the state of a VM and restore it later if needed. It can be helpful for
testing, troubleshooting, or backup purposes.
Active directory certificate services
 AD CS: A Windows Server role that provides a PKI solution for securing
communication within an organization. It issues and manages digital
certificates for various security scenarios.
 PKI: A system that uses asymmetric cryptography to bind public keys to
identities of entities (such as users, computers, or devices). It enables secure
communication, authentication, and data integrity.
 CA: A component of AD CS that validates the identity of entities and issues
digital certificates to them. It can be either Enterprise or Standalone,
depending on the integration with Active Directory.
 Certificate Templates: Definitions of the properties and purpose of digital
certificates. AD CS provides predefined and custom templates for different
scenarios.
File services
 File Sharing: This is the ability to store and access files and directories across
a network, enabling collaboration and data accessibility among users and
applications.
 NFS and SMB: These are two common protocols for network file sharing,
each suitable for different operating system environments (Unix/Linux and
Windows, respectively).

 File Servers: These are servers that host shared files and provide access to
clients over a network, with configuration options for permissions, access
control, and file storage.
 File Permissions and Access Control: These are mechanisms for setting and
enforcing rules on who can read, write, or execute specific files and
directories on the network.
 Distributed File Systems: These are systems that organize and manage files
across multiple servers or storage devices, providing a unified namespace
and a centralized view of the files.
 File Replication: This is the process of duplicating files across multiple
servers for redundancy and fault tolerance, enhancing data availability and
resilience.
 File Caching: This is the technique of storing frequently accessed files
locally, reducing the need to retrieve them from the server every time they
are requested, and improving file access speed.
 File Locking: This is the technique of preventing multiple users from
simultaneously modifying the same file, avoiding data inconsistency and
corruption.
Pint services
 Print server, which is a device or software that manages and coordinates print
jobs on a network.
 The text explains the main function of a print server, which is to provide a
centralized point for controlling and directing print requests from client
devices to one or more printers.
 A print server simplifies the administration and configuration of printers and
print jobs within a network.
 Users do not need to install or update printer drivers on their devices, as they
can send print jobs to the print server, which then handles the distribution of
print tasks to the appropriate printers.
 A print server can enforce security and access policies for printers and print
jobs, such as authentication, authorization, encryption, quotas, watermarking,
etc. A print server can also monitor and audit the print activity and usage in
the network, and generate reports and statistics.
 A print server can improve the performance and reliability of printing by
balancing the network workload and avoiding printer congestion. A print
server can also reduce the cost of printing by optimizing the use of printer
 resources and eliminating duplicate or unnecessary print jobs It covers the
following points:
 Print Server: A role service that manages and coordinates printing tasks for
multiple printers on a network.
 Printer Sharing: A feature that enables users from different devices to send
print jobs to a central printer.
 Print Queues: A mechanism that organizes print jobs in the order they are
received by the print server.
 Printer Drivers: Software components that enable communication between
the client and the printer, ensuring that print jobs are formatted correctly.
 Network Printing Protocols: Standards that facilitate communication
between client devices and the print server, such as IPP, LPD, and SMB.
 Print Management: A tool for administrators to manage printers, print
queues, and print jobs, including monitoring, setting priorities, and
configuring properties.
 Print Policies: Rules that control and manage the use of printers on the
network, such as setting quotas, restricting access, or implementing cost-
saving measures.

 Print Logging and Auditing: Features that track print activities, such as
monitoring printer usage, troubleshooting problems, or generating reports.
Windows server Update Server
 WSUS: A Microsoft tool for managing updates for Microsoft products in a
corporate network. It acts as a local update repository and allows
administrators to approve, distribute, and monitor updates.
 Update Management: WSUS categorizes updates into different types, such as
security, critical, or service packs. Administrators can configure WSUS to
automatically approve and deploy specific categories of updates to client
computers.
 Deployment Rings: WSUS enables administrators to organize computers into
deployment rings, which help in testing updates on a subset of computers
before rolling them out to the entire organization.
 Reporting and Monitoring: WSUS provides reporting and monitoring
features that allow administrators to track the status of updates across the
network. Reports include information on update compliance, failed
installations, and update history.
Web server(IIS)
 Internet Information Services (IIS), a web server software developed by
Microsoft.
 It explains the following aspects of IIS:
 Web Server Functionality: How IIS handles web requests and delivers web
content.
 HTTP and HTTPS Protocols: How IIS supports secure and unsecure web
communication using SSL/TLS encryption.
 Hosted Content Types: What types of web content IIS can host,
including static

and dynamic content generated by server-side technologies.

 Application Pools: How IIS separates and isolates web applications for
stability and security purposes.
 Integration with ASP.NET: How IIS works with ASP.NET, a server-
side web application framework based on the .NET framework.
 Modular Architecture: How IIS allows administrators to customize and
optimize their web server configuration by installing only the necessary
components.
 Centralized Management Console: How IIS provides a user-friendly
interface for managing and configuring server roles and features.
Routing and remote access server
 Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) feature in Windows Server
operating systems.
  It explains that RRAS provides a range of networking services, such as
routing, VPN, and dial-up, that enable different scenarios for remote access
and network interconnection.
 It also lists some key aspects of RRAS, such as:
 RRAS Multitenant Gateway: A software gateway and router that
allows network traffic routing between virtual and physical networks,
including the Internet. It supports Hyper-V Network Virtualization and
VLANs, and enables VPN and NAT for tenants.
 Remote Access: A service that allows end users and sites to connect to
a corporate network or another network by using VPN or dial-up
connections.
 Routing: A service that offers routing and networking capabilities for
LAN-to-LAN, LAN-to-WAN, VPN, and NAT scenarios. It supports
various routing protocols and features.
 Microsoft Azure virtualization solutions: A link to learn more about how
Microsoft Azure provides similar functionality in the cloud, such as hybrid
virtualization and VPN.
3.2. Defining scope and applicability of testing

 The scope and applicability of testing are critical aspects of the software testing
process that define what will be tested, the objectives of testing, and the
boundaries of the testing effort. Here is an overview of the scope and
applicability of testing:
 Scope of Testing: The scope of testing outlines the boundaries and extent of the
testing effort. It defines what aspects of the software will be tested and what
will not be tested.
 The scope typically includes:
 Functional Features: Identify the specific functionalities, features, and use
cases that will be tested. This includes both primary and secondary
functions of the software.
  Non-functional Features: Identify the quality attributes, such as
performance, usability, security, and reliability, that will be tested. This
includes both quantitative and qualitative measures of the software.
 Test Levels: Identify the different levels of testing, such as unit,
integration, system, and acceptance, that will be performed. This includes
the scope and objectives of each level, as well as the dependencies and
interactions between them.

 Test Types: Identify the different types of testing, such as functional, non-
functional, regression, and exploratory, that will be conducted. This includes
the scope and objectives of each type, as well as the techniques and tools used
for them.
 Test Environment: Identify the hardware, software, network, and data
requirements for the testing activities.
3.3. Developing test plan

 A test plan is a document that outlines the scope, objectives, and strategy of testing a
software product.
 Entry Criteria: The conditions that must be met before testing can start, such
as the completion of development and the availability of test environments.
 Exit Criteria: The conditions that must be met for testing to be considered
complete, such as achieving a certain level of test coverage and meeting
quality criteria.

 Test Schedule: The timeline for testing activities, including the start and end
dates for each testing phase, the milestones and the dependencies.
 Resource Planning: The allocation of resources for testing, such as the roles
and responsibilities of the test team, the tools and equipment needed, and the
budget and risks involved.
 3.4. Running system test

System testing involves several steps, such as setting up the test environment,
creating and executing test cases, reporting and logging defects, performing
regression testing, and retesting. System testing also includes various types of
testing, such as performance testing, load testing, security testing, usability testing,
etc.
3.5. Analyzing error report and making changes

 Brief description of a general process for analyzing error reports and

implementing changes in software development. It consists of three main steps:

Identifying, monitoring, and reporting errors:

 This step involves using tools and methods to detect and capture errors that occur
in software solutions, such as crashes, bugs, or performance issues.
 Error reporting tools can help provide information about the error, such as the
location, severity, frequency, and impact of the error.
 Examples of error reporting tools are Sentry and Sauce Labs.
Understanding the root causes:

 This step involves analyzing the error reports to find out why the error
occurred, what factors contributed to it, and how it can be prevented or fixed.

 Root cause analysis can help identify the underlying problems in the code,
design, logic, or environment of the software. Examples of root cause analysis
methods are defect reports and error classification.

Making necessary changes:

 This step involves implementing solutions to correct or improve the software

based on the root cause analysis.
 Changes can include modifying the code, updating the framework, fixing the
configuration, or enhancing the functionality of the software.
  Changes should be tested and verified before deployment to ensure they work
as expected and do not introduce new errors.
3.6. Validating changes

 Process and purpose of validating changes in a system, product, or process. Here are
some elaborations and additional facts

Validation vs Verification
 Validation is different from verification, which is the process of checking whether the
system, product, or process meets the design specifications.
 Verification answers the question “Are we building the product right?” while
validation answers the question "Are we building the right product?"
Validation Methods
 There are different methods of validation depending on the type and scope of the
changes.
 Some common methods include testing, inspection, analysis, simulation,
demonstration, and review.
 Each method has its own advantages and limitations, and the choice of method
depends on factors such as cost, time, risk, and complexity.