Server Configuration and Functionality
Task 1: Linux/UNIX Prominence, Availability and Compatibility:
Linux server is a part of a family of Unix-like operating systems in servers that apply the Linux kernel. It can be used on a wide range of computer hardware composing of mobile phones, routers, mainframes and supercomputers. Linux is way ahead of the other server operating system and is used in the fastest supercomputers. Its advancement brings forth a free and open source of software application; the source code that is applied can be easily changed and distributed for commercial and non-commercial purpose by any person who is in possession of a license from the GNU General Public License. Linux is packed in a form called Linux distribution that can be applied in desktops and servers. There are some distribution sectors for Linux such as Debian, Fedora as well as openSUSE. The distribution carried out is composed of Linux kernel and the supporting facilities. The Linux software has some aspects Linux based business applications like the Personal Finance Manager, Gstalker, NexS and the Distributed Environment for Administration (DEA) among others, it is similarly compatible with windows most of these business applications are free.
UNIX server on the other hand is a multitasking, multi-user operating system in a server it is divided into various branches. The UNIX operating systems are applied in servers and mobile devices. It was developed for portability, multi-use among other features that range from the application of plain text for storing data, treating devices and processes, application of a large number of software tools (UNIX). These aspects of the UNIX are generally called as UNIX philosophy. The UNIX operating system is composed of a control program called kernel which issues services of beginning and ending programs, operates the file system in addition to other duties that programs have. It also is tasked with the scheduling access to hardware to prevent interferences so as to access similar resources at the same time as well as creating a distinction between the user and the kernel. UNIX is similarly compatible with windows. UNIX is made available on a wide range of computer hardware; its availability in the market has similarly been good for Windows NT.
Advantages and Disadvantages of UNIX/Linux:
UNIX has a full multitasking with a memory that is protected; several programs can be run at the same time with no interferences. There is also a virtual memory that allows the use of several programs at a modest memory. UNIX/Linux security is at its maximum giving only access to authenticated users in possession of passwords (University). There is also the availability of commands that perform several tasks efficiently. UNIX also has the ability to join several commands and utilities to accomplish a series of tasks. The filing system is all inclusive in that it is presented as a single body with branches of directories. The machines in UNIX are portable and hence easy to carry around. Linux as a good stability in comparison to windows, similarly to UNIX it is free software and has the ability to run on an old hardware
The disadvantage are however there, the initial form of command was not user friendly as it was meant for programmers and not just any user. The commands are composed of cryptic names with minimal response to inform the user what they are doing (InfoWorld). For one to be successful in applying UNIX one has to understand the design characteristics. Linux is not compatible with some hardware and needs an advanced technical skill.
Potential difficulties in deploying and maintaining a UNIX or Linux server environment:
Depending on the type of network that is applied, the UNIX/Linux server can present connectivity problems (Haletky). This issue is reliant upon the resource demand as well as compatibility issues of the TCP/IP with its drivers. The cost for implementing a UNIX system is quite high.
Task 2: Linux Installation Process:
The following procedure is applied when installing Linux.
Linus installation experience, difficulties and how to overcome them:
The installation was not quite hard as it is a straight forward process. The process first begins by allowing it apply a wide range of languages hence compatible in several parts of the world. The process attempts to know the user through the identification of the location of the user, the name, alias name for logging in, password and the computer name. The features presented by Linux are quite interesting and colorful. The installation process is user friendly more so for new users. Linux installation demonstrated the ability of detecting all the file systems available which is not possible with windows.
The only difficult step I came across is the key board layout. This as I learnt is quite sensitive in that if a mistake is made there is a massive loss of data from the hard disk. This however becomes easy if one does it more than once, additionally there are options like the Guided and the Manual. Where the guided helps one to do it while the manual is as it sounds, manual, where a person does it by him or herself and is far better as it gives one a sense of flexibility.
Task 3: Network and TCP/IP Configuration
Enabling and configuring networking:
The process below is used to enable and configure networking on a Linux platform (Ubuntu)
Setting up TCP/IP connectivity for your Linux server ((CAE)):
The following process is used to set up the connectivity of the TCP/IP, the values may vary;
How to use iptables to block incoming ports:
The following command is applied when is attempting to block all incoming ports
Works Cited
(CAE), Computer Aided Engineering. TCP/IP Setup for Linux. n.d. 24 June 2011 http://www.cae.wisc.edu/linconftcpip .
Haletky, Edward. “Deploying Linux on the desktop.” Oxford, UK: Elsevier, 2005.
InfoWorld. “The Voice of Personal Computing in the Enterprise.” 23 March 2002.
University, Pangea Stanford. Advantages and disadvantages of Unix. 4 August 2004. 24 June 2011 http://pangea.stanford.edu/computing/unix/overview/advantages.php .
UNIX. The UNIX Operating System: Mature, Standardized and State-of-the-Art. n.d. 24 June 2011 http://www.unix.org/whitepapers/wp-0897.html .
