File and Storage Services

File and Storage Services

Technologies helping set up and manage file servers that provide central locations for network storage and sharing.

File Server Setup Triggers

1. Users need access to the same files and applications;

2. Centralized backup and file management are important to the organization.

Default Installation Components

The File and Storage Services role and the Storage Services role service.

Role Service Installation Methods

1. Add Roles and Features Wizard in Server Manager;

2. Install-WindowsFeature cmdlet in Windows PowerShell.

Practical Application Examples

1. Storage Spaces (resilient and scalable storage);

2. Folder Redirection, Offline Files, and Roaming User Profiles (network redirection with local caching);

3. Work Folders (access files on personal/corporate PCs);

4. Data Deduplication (reducing disk space requirements);

5. iSCSI Target Server (software-based disk subsystems);

6. Server Manager (remote management);

7. Windows PowerShell (automated task management).

Server Message Block (SMB)

A client-server communication protocol used for sharing access to files, printers, and serial ports.

Primary SMB Uses

1. Shared access to network resources;

2. Secure methods for opening, reading, moving, creating, and updating remote files;

3. Communication with server programs.

Windows SMB 3.0 Capabilities

1. Accessing and reading resources at remote servers;

2. Creating and updating files on remote servers;

3. Communicating with server programs receiving client requests.

Network File System (NFS)

A distributed file system protocol based on RFC 1094 enabling sharing between Windows and non-Windows systems.

NFS Implementation Components

1. Server for NFS (Windows acts as file server for all clients);

2. Client for NFS (Windows accesses files on NFS servers).

NFS Management Tools

1. Services for Network File System MMC snap-in;

2. Windows PowerShell cmdlets;

3. Windows command-line tools.

Windows Domain User

A user account authenticated and managed centrally in a Windows domain environment (on-premises or cloud).

AD Account Management

Centrally performed on the domain controller; disabling an account immediately affects login ability on all domain-joined machines.

AD Device Setup

Involves specifying the domain name, providing admin credentials, and rebooting the machine.

AD User Experience

Credentials verified by the central AD server for access to all resources using one password.

AD Policies

Group Policy Objects applied at login to ensure centralized control over security and user environments.