What is an IT System – The File Server

The file server is a key asset in any company computer and network IT System.  Care must be taken by users of the file server to make a file system structure that is inline with common sense.  Administrators for years after the file “accounting.csv” is made at the root of accounting will be trying to figure out a good place to put the file – and will be vigorously defended by the head of accounting that the file is needed.

Windows Server as a File Server

A windows server may make the owner of the company more comfortable with handling the server.  This may also be too big of a temptation for some.  From my testing Linux SAMBA has outdone windows at their own file serving game.  It keeps the curious sales man from adding 1 guy to the permission set of a root share.  Backup of the windows 2008 server can be cumbersome with windows server tools.  3^rd party tools are usually used instead.

Webserver and File Server

There isn’t much difference between a file server and a web server.  Generally, a web server doesn’t allow write because it’s generally public facing.  But if it’s internal you could certainly serve your files though both a file server and a webserver.  The web server may ease cross platform issues.  Depending on the application used to access the file.  It might have some issues working directly across the HTTP protocol.  Might be used more in a pinch to copy local – work on the file – then copy back to the file server.

File Server Online

If you want to setup a file server that is accessible anywhere on the Internet, you may be thinking about using FTP protocol.  This puts your server online – accessible to anyone with a username and a password on your system.  This is the tried and true way to transfer files from one system to another.  To put your file server online, you would be opening to some risk because of the excess functions of a file server protocol.  A hacker might be able to get information about your file server operating systems and neighbors though these chatty protocols such as SAMBA or AFP.

IT Risk Management

Risk management mandates that you must backup the file server.  The best software I have found to do this is backup PC.   It is cross platform compatible, and uses SSH as a secure socket to transfer your files to a secure backup location. Restoration of files to your file server couldn’t be easier and faster.  Defiantly check this backup software out for your file server.