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There is always a transitional period when a
new network is installed while people get used to the new system.
This quick guide should help you make the most of the advantages a
network offers.
Introduction
A
network is made up of a number of components working together. These
include:
Computers. Such as desktop machines and the server.
Data Switches. Routes the data between the various computers
and peripherals.
Print Servers. Allows printers to be connected directly
to the network. They are not associated with any particular machine
apart from the
file server, therefore, printers will work without particular machines
having to be switched on, (apart from the file server that is).
Logging in
Logging in with the correct user and name and password is essential
for operation of the network, otherwise access to files on the server,
printers, and the Internet will not be available.
Sharing Files
Files should always be saved on the server, not in shared folders
on the individual machines. There are several reasons for this, including:
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Access: If the desktop machine is switched off then
the shared files on it are inaccessible, therefore, functions
like accounts
or
any other database become inoperable, in addition
shared knowledge files such as databases etc. must have one central
location
otherwise information becomes out of date and fragmented
across the network.
-
Security: Many viruses spread
themselves via network shares. Switching off all the shared folders
reduces the risk
of the network becoming
infected.
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Backup: Important files including
accounts, payroll, and any other administration or database
files should
be ‘backed up’ daily,
obviously this task would become ‘impossible’ if a) the
network administrator did not know where the files were saved and
b) if the files had to be ‘backed up’ from
6 or more computers.
Accessing PCs on the network
Windows Explorer allows you to browse folders
on networked PCs (if sharing has been enabled but there are security
issues, see above)
in exactly the same way as files on your own desktop PC. Windows 98
and Windows XP have a slightly different naming convention but in
either case browse to Entire Network then select your domain or workgroup.
Drive Mapping
When accessing files on the file server, it is
a good thing to associate your computer to the relevant folder on
the file server disk with
a letter a-z (known as mapping a drive).
You can map any folder to
any letter except those already taken e.g. floppy drive is A: your
hard
disk is probably C:
and the
CD Rom drive may be D: etc.
Swansea ITeC always offers the option of training and
extended technical
support on new networked systems which will smooth out many of
the transitional difficulties.
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