MCSA/MCSE 2003 JumpStart

Since 1993, the popularity of Windows NT has grown significantly. With the release of the 3.51 version, Windows NT has been considered a viable solution for corporate networks. But it was not until after the release of NT 4 that Windows NT Server has been widely accepted.

Windows NT 4 offers adequate performance and security. It is still not comparable to Unix in these areas, but it does offer other advantages over implementing and managing Unix. First, NT 4 uses the familiar interface of Windows 95 and 98. Needless to say, the learning curve is dramatically shorter for NT than for Unix. Second, for corporations still using the Windows 95, 98, and NT desktop operating systems, combining these desktop operating systems with NT Server creates a completely integrated network that is easier to manage and maintain.

Finally, another exciting part of NT 4 Server is the inclusion of Microsoft's domain technology, discussed in Chapter 9. As you have already learned, NT 4 and 3.51 servers in a domain model share a single database of users and security-access levels. This database can be maintained across multiple servers regardless of geographical location. Although a single distributed database was a unique feature in 1995, it is now a common feature of NOSs, including Novell NetWare.

When to Choose NT 4 Server

Some compelling reasons to choose NT 4 Server:

• NT 4 uses an interface that looks like Windows 95/98.

• User accounts and security are kept consistent across all servers.

• Thousands of applications are written for Windows NT.

• Version 4 includes many Internet applications, including a web server.

Why you may not want to select NT 4:

• Configuration changes often require the server to be rebooted, resulting in downtime.

• NT 4 cannot be made as secure as Unix.

• Software conflicts are more common on NT 4 than on other NOSs.