Lesson 5 - Management and Utility Software

   Management and Utility Software

Management and utility software is typically used for network-related services by information systems personnel. Communication and management software includes:

System Status Messaging Services

The network operating system (NOS) typically provides software on the client workstation to open windows for status messages from remote servers.

Network Communication Protocols

Clients access the network through the use of communication protocols such as Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and Ethernet. Applications can exchange files and send messages between remote applications using these services.

Network Security Utilities

Network security utilities comes in several forms and can often prevent network failures and damage to an organization's assets. Most businesses fail to recognize the value of company data assets flowing over their networks and how easily accessible they are, therefore exposing important information to various threats. Network security specialists classify these threats as follows:

	Hackers-insiders or outsiders motivated by the thrill of breaching a secure system
	Bandits-insiders seeking unauthorized information for personal gain
	Trojan horses-covert programs hidden in system or application software waiting to suddenly destroy information using predetermined parameters
	Viruses-slow, systematic, and self-replicating destructive programs designed to damage systems and networks by eroding executable programs until they are unusable

For protection against these risks, network and system managers tasked with security responsibilities evaluate and examine alternatives, which are based on hardware and software, or security policies.

Network Management Tools

Network management tools generally consists of the following functions:

	Network configuration
	Troubleshooting
	Event notification
	Metrics and planning

Depending on the size and complexity of the network, these categories are all necessary to some degree. The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), a management function of the TCP/IP protocol suite, is often used as the basis for network management in an organization.

Remote Access Services

The proliferation of LANs is making a profound impact on the way corporations do business. Not only do users expect to have computers at their desks, but they also expect to have remote network connectivity. Print services, file services, and other special LAN applications are essential functions for telecommuters, traveling professionals, and mobile users. The ability to work anywhere at any time is creating the need for secure remote LAN access.

Early remote access methods merely took control of a dedicated PC on the corporate network; however, this solution is very inefficient. More recently, network modems and multiuser communication servers have emerged to provide more efficient access to an organization's electronic resources and network services.

Backup and Recovery Utilities

Backing up information properly is another consideration. The information stored on servers or a key individual's hard drive is often the lifeblood of a company. Losing critical information can be devastating. Backup and recovery procedures and software are extremely important for organizations that rely on stored information.

   Activities

See the Activities and Extended Activities section in Unit 1 Lesson 5 in your textbook Introduction to Networking to test what you have learned so far.

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