File and print servers: Windows Server 2003 administrative tasks

Administering File and Print Servers

The administration of file and print servers is divided into three categories. These include File Services, Print Services and Cluster Services. Table 2-1outlines the administrative activities that you must perform on an ongoing basis to ensure proper operation of the services you deliver to your user community. It also identifies the frequency of each task.

You may not need to perform all of these activities because you don't use some of the services mentioned here. You may also use a different schedule. Remember to personalize the task list to adapt it to your environment.

Table 2-1. File and Print Service Administration Task List

File Service Administration

With Windows Server 2003, file service administration involves everything from formatting a new disk to integrating with the Active Directory to creating complex shared folder structures with the Distributed File Service.But, it is mainly focused on disks and the services Windows Server 2003 can support when dealing with storage.

Four main tools can be used to manage file servers:

• Windows Explorer because it gives access to both disks and shared folders.
• The File Server Management console because it is a single-purpose console that focuses on disks and shares.
• The net share command because it is a commandline tool that can be used to script sharing operations.
• The diskpart command because it is designed to manage disks, volumes, and partitions.