Why is it Important to Properly Shut down the Network Server?

by: Derek Rogers

Overview

A network server is simply a centralized resource program or computer that services a network. It takes hold of a number of simple to complicated operations handling the applications and maintenance of working units of the network. In sense, it acts as the brain that manages the specific applications to which the network works on. Shutting down the server would render the network idle unless driven by a program to continue its operations. Hence, cleanly and properly shutting down the network service is a standard protocol to ensuring hassle-free operations. In cases of diagnosing and troubleshooting network problems, properly shutting down the server ensures safety of the programs and information held by the network server as the individual units it manages.

Importance

• Properly shutting down the network server would ensure proper network configuration. Since the data line managed by the network server is a critical aspect of its operations, the computers that are connected into the network maintains protection one computer. Sometimes, specific configurations are done to safeguard against damage, which may be caused by a file-corrupting virus. Properly shutting down the network server ensures that whatever protective measures the unaffected or uninfected units have will work.

• Properly shutting down the network server will enable software or file recovery in case of problems. System recovery makes use of a number of configurations that helps protect the network against serious damage. It also ensures that all the recovery software, if present, is properly configured. Hence, it minimizes the risk of losing important files or information in case technical problems arise.

• Properly shutting down the network server, depending on the application settings, will enable backing up of important files.

• In case of serious technical problems, properly shutting down the network server may restore default configurations. It might cause some of the computer units in the network to lose some infected or affected files, but not those that are crucial to retaining its operations.

• Often, cleanly shutting down the network server minimizes the damage caused by incorrectly configured and damaged software or hardware in a network setup.

• Properly shutting down the network server allows certain changes, such as those made when rebooting, to take effect.

• With coexisting but conflicting devices or software, properly shutting down the network server aids troubleshooting measures, which also protects the other computer units in the network setup from getting damaged by the affected unit or units.

Simply, properly shutting down the network server is a standard operating procedure that ensures optimal performance and consistency in application programs and system capabilities in each of the computer units that is included in the network setup.

Tips

• Make sure that your network server is configured to do backup files or system recovery operations to ensure clean shutdown operations during emergency cases such as power outage or serious technical problems.

• Make sure that the network is working with a backup power source to ensure clean and proper shutdown operations. This will also keep you from dealing with the problems commonly associated with emergency power cut offs.


About The Author

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information about Network servers, he recommends Prodec Networks, a leading provider ofNetwork Servers.

http://www.prodec.co.uk

From http://www.articlecity.com/

Why Wireless Networks Are More Vulnerable than Wired Networks

by: Derek Rogers

The reason why wireless networks are more vulnerable than wired networks is that because the data is transmitted through the broadcast radio technology that works on the same microwave radio band (2.4 gigahertz) as cordless phones, instead of a dedicated cable.

It is possible to be intercepted by hackers, especially if there is not a firewall installed because the networking transmissions are broadcast indiscriminately. Drive by hackers and casual intruders can pick up the radio signal 20 to 50 meters and as much as 500 meters if there is sensitive equipment. It is estimated that 30 percent of all wireless networks have already had a hacking attempt made, even though it is illegal.

Your wireless network can become contaminated with a virus, if another wireless computer taps into the network and has it, contaminating your server and the other computers on that network.

When wireless networks came out, they were more convenient and often a higher speed access than traditional wired networks. It soon became evident that they were easier to be compromised since multiple users were using the same broadcast signals. If a server is not secure, encrypted and firewall protected, it can cause data loss of confidential information and virus attacks that can make a system vulnerable to crashing.

Many government agencies are no longer using wireless networks because of the security issues. For most other usages, a wireless network is suitable, as long as it is firewall protected properly, but you may want to consider the additional security of a wired network, if you handle sensitive information.

The safest thing is to have an IT or network security audit done to evaluate the multiple computers on your network, whether wireless or wired, for security and firewall needs. Businesses that transmit data, store crucial customer information like credit cards and other confidential information need to be especially aware of the consequences, should the information fall into the wrong hands.

By having an IT security audit done on your system, you can discover any vulnerabilities and protect against them. Typically, they will do audits that involve external penetration tests and internal management tests to uncover any possible threats, intentional or by ignorance of protection on the part of users.

Not only can security be compromised through wireless networks that are not properly secured, but wired networks need to have proper security software and firewalls working on their server to assure protection, on an internal, physical basis.

An IT security audit will evaluate the environment of the server, whether wireless or wired and any weak links in the security including the physical location and access to the server and settings for anti-virus and firewall programs.

Wireless networks have gained in popularity due to the ease of installation, especially in older buildings and the cost is less to install than cabling a wired network. The chances of contamination of data, information loss and virus or hacking by intruders may not be worth the cost savings, due to the vulnerability of wireless systems.


About The Author

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information on Network Security, he recommends Network 24, a leading provider of UK network security solutions.

http://www.network24.co.uk

From http://www.articlecity.com/

Why should I consider IT Asset Recovery?

by: Derek Rogers

Because of legislation that impacts the disposal of older, out-dated network and data centre assets, it has become a reason that many executives are asking “why should I consider IT asset recovery?” Since most business organisations don’t have the necessary resources to carry out disposal of this equipment in a reliable and secure manner, they are considering IT asset recovery services. These can make sure that important data is disposed of in a secure manner and your equipment is disposed of in an environmentally correct way.

Most IT assets or computer equipment can pose environmental risks and cause legal liability issues, if not disposed of properly. The responsible recycling of electronic scrap, also known as eScrap, involves dismantling, CRT glass separation, shredding, final sorting, commodity sales and reporting. It is becoming increasingly regulated and more difficult to be in compliance with proper disposal and documentation of out-dated IT assets.

Many companies are hiring IT asset recovery companies to handle all of the red-tape issues involved, when updating their computer networks, transferring important data and disposing of the old equipment. These companies can handle the vertical integration of disposal from pickup through recycling and control the chain of custody to help reduce liability risks.

Information needs to go through asset recovery logistics, tracking, test and audit, data erasure and destruction, as part of the IT asset recovery, to manage the retired assets efficiently and securely. It takes a wide range of services in IT asset recovery to ensure that you are in compliance and the data contained on the old equipment is secured and erased for security reasons.

Even if some of the old IT asset equipment can be resold, you still need to be assured that your confidential data cannot be retrieved, especially in the case where you have business transactions that contain confidential or financial information.

Eliminating old and out-dated network equipment is more complicated than just throwing it in a dumpster or deleting files and worksheets. Because the data is burned onto the hard drive of computers, it is possible for a person to retrieve data that you thought had been deleted.

Some hard drives make a backup copy of data, even when the drive has been wiped clean and reformatted. That is how law enforcement is able to retrieve previously deleted information on criminal computers.

IT asset recovery companies know how to safely dispose or transfer the data and are subject to stringent laws on compliance for data erasure and correct disposal or recycling of the equipment. The best and most cost efficient way for most businesses is to hire the services of an IT asset recovery company, when upgrading their system, or disposing of outdated network assets.

Because the legal ramifications on compromised data can be extreme and compliance on environmental regulations carry stiff penalties, the most assured and competent way to dispose of IT assets is through a reputable IT asset recovery firm. They will handle all of the necessary tracking to be sure you are in compliance and that you can rest assured that your confidential information is kept secure.


About The Author

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information on Asset Recovery and secure data disposal, he recommends Network 24.

http://www.network24.co.uk

From http://www.articlecity.com/