The intranet server is similar to the internet server as it delivers WebPages to computers however it is for LAN (local area networks). This means the pages are private and run through localised cabling. The WebPages are not available to computers outside the LAN and dial up connections are not enabled.
Organisation the internet and intranet
Internets are organised by numerous internet servers connected through a permanent broadband connection. For protection the servers are protected from other computers putting viruses and harmful materials by firewalls.
Intranets are local so other computers outside the Local area network (LAN) cannot connect to the network.
Ways of connected to the internet
1. Dial up modem-mainly used at home, works by dialing a telephone number of an internet server and connects via that. Standard connection is 56kb. This means it sends 56,000 bits per second.
2. LAN-Delivers the internet to a network of computers via a proxy server. The proxy server connects to the internet and delivers the internet to all the connected computers in a local area network.
3. ISDN (integrated services digital network)-a telephone connection that is designed to deliver digital information for computers but also can deliver audio signals for telephone conversations. It is generally faster than standard modem connections, usually 64kb or 128kb per second.
4. Broadband-Digital telephone connection that is constantly connected, delivering data much quicker than other connections at speeds 10, 20 or even 50 times quicker than your standard 56kb connection. Instead of using a modem it uses a router allowing a permanent connection.
Web Server Requirements
Web servers can be as fast or powerful as the user requires. This is dependent on what system they are running. A standard internet server will be 500MHZ, have 256MB of RAM and have around 8GB hard drive space. Of course all of these can be expanded dependent on the users needs. Also it depends on how many users are on the network. The more users, the faster the server will be required to allow a good internet connection.
How to connect to the internet
For home pc’s connecting on a dial up connection, its just a case of following the instructions. Simply double click the internet explorer icon either on the desktop or in the start menu and that will prompt you to connect to the internet. This will be done with a dial up sound.
For broadband users, the system is always connected to the internet so when double clicking the internet explorer icon, the page will immediately show the home page selected by the user I.e. msn.com or google.com
