Final Year Project Research Report

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to carry out an in-depth investigation concerning the primary technologies that will be implemented on the project. The client-server network will comprise of one Server computer providing Services to client computers, and client computers request network resources from the server computer. For this study, both the exploratory and descriptive research methodologies will be utilized to collect information.

The main element of the project was the server computer, its proper configuration and its ability to provide services to the client computers on the Network. Most of the secondary sources were gathered from specialized Certification textbooks where trustworthy information was obtained from Microsoft´s client and server operating systems.

The secondary data in this project were primarily collected from different existing resources such as study notes from the course materials, IT certification books, vendor’s website, online technical documentation from Microsoft Docs and TechNet websites. To find high-quality information the study utilized the approach of gathering data directly from the companies that developed the technology.

The primary data was collected by interviewing IT Staff in Bradford College to have a general idea of an IT infrastructure in an Academic Institution, even though it was a vast Network, I was able to identify the necessary elements which served as a guide to my project.

The main element of the project was the server computer, its proper configuration and its ability to provide services to the client computers on the Network. Most of the secondary sources were gathered from specialized Certification textbooks where trustworthy information was obtained from Microsoft´s client and server operating systems.

By studying, “Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate” (MCSA) Windows server 2012 R2 complete study guide, a book by Ball (2012), provided with proper expertise of the Domain name system Server (DNS) Server, its function, installation and role on a Network. It equally equipped me with the skills to correctly install and configure the Windows Deployment Services (WDS) Server for Network-based deployments.

Zacker (2014), in his book, “Exam Ref 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012” assisted me in recognizing the distinct editions of Windows Server 2012 R2 for the project, and the types of serves recommended for small businesses.

By studying, MCSA 70-410 training Guide: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 by Tulloch (2014), improved my competence in installing and configuring the DHCP Server.

The Book Security+ Study Guide provided me with a general understanding of network security systems to be better to protect a network.

The book Mastering Windows Server was utilized as the main base of guidelines for the Server Build and comprehensive consultation.

The study also utilized online resources and sites for the project, like Microsoft TechNet and Microsoft Docs which proved useful guides and proper information while dealing with Microsoft products. Also as part of my research, a considerable amount of time was spent watching the complete IT Certification program on Windows Server Administration fundamentals which assisted in having a general overview of the role of Server on a Network. Additionally, I have also gathered useful information from Vendors websites such as AVG, VMware and hardware manufacturer suppliers.

The Investigation and Research allowed for better evaluation of the technologies that will be implemented in the project, and at the same time equip me with the necessary skills to execute the project.

In terms of secondary sources, the IT certifications books and the online resources in general equipped me with the necessary skills for installing and configuring both the Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard (x64) and Windows 10 Professional (x64). Also, the vendor’s website like the AVG Website provided with valuable information regarding the Antivirus and malware.

A few and particular components described in the project proposal will not be covered in the development of the project such as the Installation of Microsoft Windows 7 Professional, and installation and configuration of the Web Server Role. The installation of the Windows 7 Professional was not included in the development because Windows 10 Professional will provide the same end goal which is the ability of client’s computers to access the services from the Server computer securely. Besides, Windows 10 is a considerably more efficient operating system.

The Web Server will not be installed since the emphasis of the project was that users in the training center to access shared resources on the network. The Print and documents Services will be established to provide users with the ability to print from a shared Network Printer-

References

• - Choosing qualitative or quantitative research methodologies
• - Livro: Handbook of the arts in Qualitative Research
• - How to write a research methodology
• Zacker, C., 2014. Exam Ref 70-410 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 R2 (MCSA): Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 R2. Microsoft press.
• Tulloch, M., 2014. Training Guide: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 R2. Pearson Education.
• Ball, D., 2012. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate-Windows Server (MCSA) Secrets To Acing The Exam and Successful Finding And Landing Your Next Microsoft...-Windows Server (MCSA) Certified Job. Tebbo.