The Operating system has the best tools to manage maintain and administer the PC. Though the Linux lovers may argue endlessly pointing out only the cons of windows 2000, I’d say that this is the best for the price Microsoft has to offer. This review is just an attempt to say that hey , I love windows 2000 . I made every attempt not to go into any technical detail. Win 2000 server is an extension of its predecessor Windows NT . Or other wise Win 2000 server is also known as Windows NT 5.
Note
for those who dont follow the Technical fundas here, just skip to the Why Windows 2000 section
My main focus is on Windows 2000 server
Features
File and Folders
File system is the way the files and folders are stored and read from the hard disk. FAT , FAT 32 and NTFS are such file systems. Windows NT 4 had begun its foray in having a secure file system namely NTFS. This version of NTFS was limited in its capacity with comparison to NTFS 5. the version 4 only had security and compression. Several New file /folder features you will find different from windows Nt 4.
Encryption
This is a further enhancement to NTFS security. In a very simple explanation, only the user can read a file which the user has created and encrypted. Once the file is encrypted, some headers are added to the file and the access credentials are compared to the certificates of the user Id. In other words only the owner of the file could open , edit and change the file.
Compression.
This allows a Text / Rtf / Office Document to be compressed upto 70 % of its original size and .exe files upto 20 % of its original size. Important thing to note in this feature is that you cannot encrypt the file and compress it at the same time. These two features cannot be used alternatively.
Off line Files caching.
If the files are stored on a network server or in case of a mobile user who keeps moving with a laptop, this is the best feature that Win 2k server has to offer. The files are cached locally. In case the changes need to be incorporated to the server copy of the files, all one has to do is perform a synchronization.
Active directory or AD
Active directory is the Domain server services of Windows 2000 server. Earlier in the windows NT era , if you had to bring a Windows NT domain controller to a member server you had to re install all over again. win 2k makes it simple. Just uninstall the AD services. AD makes managing the domain and its client computers very simple.
Web and Network Services
Windows 2000 support a variety of protocols like Apple, TCP/IP, NWlink to inter operate between different types of networks and Machine. Network services like DNS, DHCP makes it a compatible operating system. Owing to this , win 2k server can also be used as a gateway , router , file server, RAS server. Some services actually simulate network devices like Router, VPN box and RAS server.
Why Windows 2000
1. RAS server.
This is mainly about the users who travel a lot and yet would like to have their laptops very much be a part of the network. Just setup a modem on the windows 2000 server and some magic touch of the network admin, and presto, where do you want to Go today ? This is a easy to setup , takes less than 2 to 3 hours in setting up.
2. VPN.( this is my favorite) VPN Stands for Virtual Private Networks. In English it means Virtually bringing all the Client PC’s, which are distributed geographically, under one administrative control. VPN equipment are always available but then, they are expensive take a lot of time to setup. With windows 2000 server , its a piece of cake.
3. Security
Apart from the file and folder security, there is also another feature namely IPSEC. IPSEC is a proprietary of Microsoft, which encapsulates the transmission between two networks. Makes sense ?. No !! .. well thats what IPSEC is all about. when there are two networks that are intended to ’’talk’’ to each other, there is a 100 percent chance that you are eavesdropped. IPSEC , provides a secure communication , where in for the eaves dropper it doesnt make any sense.
4. File Server
The main plus point in windows 2000 server is the multitasking and multi threading. With NTFS security and Active directory , this becomes a perfect solution for file sharing needs. Lot of companies , such as mine , are using this only as a file server. I must say this is purely wasting away , comparing to the maximum extent you can exploit this Server.
5. compatibility
Suppose you need to test something before you can put a project live. you need to access this from the outside. you cannot take a chance with any other server hardware. No problem, pull out any desktop, and install on that one. you dont have to lose the present installation that desktop is having. once the testing is over , you can safely remove that server installation. The very reason why I recommend this is because of compatibility. Perhaps you need to download the compatible device drivers.
Not recommended in win2k
. RAID -using the Windows 2000 server built in RAID imposes a lot of CPU usage and leads performance degradation. Use Hardware RAID controller Card instead.
. NTBACKUP - very unreliable, Or so I have found. I use Veritas or retrospect.
Tips for maintenance
1. Windows update
This utility connects to the Microsoft website, installs a client program on your Pc, does and audit and determines if your windows needs an update. Do this regularly , at least once every week. there is another provision, where you can install this utility, which frequently checks the Microsoft website and tells you that there is a patch or an update available.
2. Lock down the services that arent required. If my windows 2000 server is ’’LIVE’’ , I would disable all the services like , NetBEUI, FILE and printer sharing, disable the Guest account, enforce password restrictions etc. This is the best way to ensure security of your Server. I also use tools provided by Microsoft like MBSA ( Microsoft Base Security Analyzer), which tells me the vulnerable points on your machine.
3.Security bulletins , I sign up for the security Bulletins on Microsoft. If there are any threats or vulnerabilities, Microsoft shoots out an email. and Also I am a member of https://securityfocus.org , https://altavista.net, which does a research on all the security issues. and Releases TIPs and TRICKS in its publications. Let them do the research , I capitalize on that
4.Disk Defragment
files being heavily copied and removed , they are stored on varied locations on the Hard Disk. This leads to slower disk reading. Defragmenting , resets the File table and stores the movable files on contiguous locations. there by , you have a better read write performance. doing this every week , really helps. Better still, Schedule it every weekend
And Of course, I would love to add more , and I am sure you wont love to read so much. Just added in general and overall opinion. I hope I made it as clear and simple as possible. Honest comments are most welcome.
thank you for reading,
Have a nice day , or what ever is remaining of the day.
Davie Boy