File And Print Services "Microsoft Windows"

File And Print Services

Windows Server’s file and print services, while not as robust as some, are completely adequate for the small-to-medium size network and, if scaled properly, can service large numbers of clients equally well. The major advantage to Windows Server over other server platforms is that it uses the familiar Windows interface and terminology.
     Windows Server uses the concept of folders and shares for its file sharing. Individual documents are stored in folders on the server’s hard disk. To make them accessible to network users,
these folders are “shared.” A share is any folder on a computer that has been shared (by changing its properties from “not shared” to “shared”) with the rest of the network. Once a folder is shared, a client can access all the files within it (depending on the security settings, of course) and any folders within it as well.
     Additionally, Windows Server supports the sharing of printers in the same manner. A printer, once configured on the server, can be shared with the rest of the network like any folder. As a matter of fact, sharing printers is not only easy, but cool as well. When configured correctly, a printer shared under Windows NT, 2000, XP, or 2003 Server can be automatically installed by connecting to it. The client can automatically download the appropriate driver from the server the first time it connects.