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File Server

A file server is a computer on a local area network that stores and manages files for other computers to access. It acts as a central repository where users can save documents, emails, and other electronically stored information to be shared, backed up, and accessible from multiple devices. File servers are more powerful than individual computers and allow centralized management of permissions and access controls for file sharing. They are a major source of discoverable electronic data within organizations.

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Artem Parriñas
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325 views

File Server

A file server is a computer on a local area network that stores and manages files for other computers to access. It acts as a central repository where users can save documents, emails, and other electronically stored information to be shared, backed up, and accessible from multiple devices. File servers are more powerful than individual computers and allow centralized management of permissions and access controls for file sharing. They are a major source of discoverable electronic data within organizations.

Uploaded by

Artem Parriñas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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FILE SERVERS

WHAT IS A FILE SERVER?

 “A file server is a file storage device on a Local Area Network


(LAN) that is generally accessible to all users on the network.
 A file server stores, manages and maintains data files for users
on the system.
 They serve as central data depositories for networks of desktop
computers.
 They are more powerful and efficient than
desktop computers and allow
multiple users to update documents
and share computer files…”
- Arkfeld on Electronic Discovery and Evidence
WHAT IS A FILE SERVER?

 Further: “A computer that serves as a storage location for files on a


network.
File servers may be employed to store
Electronically Stored Information, such as
email, financial data or word processing
information or to backup the network.”

 While there are several types of file servers


(UNIX, LINUX, etc.) and use cases for them,
the focus today is on Windows-based
file servers use for file sharing purposes
ABOUT FILE SERVERS

 Major potential source for discovery


 One of the main “roles”
Windows Server provides
 Provide centralized storage for ESI
 Underlying storage can be:
• Direct Attached Storage (DAS)
• Storage Area Network (SAN) or Network Attached Storage (NAS)
 Are included in the company’s backup and disaster recovery plan
 Often there is a file server at each office/physical location
 Accessible to all and/or designated groups of users
 Managed via Microsoft Active Directory (AD) and Group Policy
HOW DO FILE SERVERS FIT INTO THE IT
INFRASTRUCTURE?

 Provided to users as a place to store ESI that should be


backed up
 Usually “under-managed” in the sense there are typically no
rules or protocols regarding how ESI is stored below the
“share” level
• Users frequently have wide latitude to
create folders and folder hierarchy
as they wish
 Rarely subject to records management
or retention
• Most organizations do not actively groom
or prune their file servers
HOW ARE FILE SERVERS TYPICALLY CONFIGURED?

 File server at each company facility


 File servers centralized or regionalized
 Partitioned – segregated into multiple “drives”
 Backed up on a regular schedule
HOW ARE FILE SERVERS TYPICALLY CONFIGURED

 Multiple partitions
• Home directory…(“H” or “E” drive)
o Typically set up so each user has a home directory only accessible to that user and IT
admin
• Public drive…(“P”, “O”, “J” etc. drive)
o May be set up so all employees or just employees
in a specific location have access
• Departmental drive…(”D”, ”G”, etc. drive)
o Set up for file sharing between members of
certain departments
• HR, Sales, Accounting, Legal, etc.
• Utility drive… (T”, “Z”, etc. drive)
o Typically set up by IT to facilitate distribution of software,
utilities, and other IT related functions
• May not be viewable or directly accessible to users
FILE SERVER CONCEPTS

 Drive mapping
• Ability to map a remote shared folder to the local machine
• Folder remains in remote location but user has access
(see Offline Files feature)
 Permissions
• Share permission
• Item-level permission
 Redirected folders/folder redirection
• Managed via Group Policy
• Redirect commonly used folders local
• hard disk to network location
o AppData (Roaming), Desktop, Start Menu,
o Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, Contacts,
o Downloads, Links, Searches, Saved Games
FILE SERVER CONCEPTS

 Offline files
• Files users open from shared folder are automatically
• available offline
• Default location: C:\Windows\CSC
(can be changed via registry setting)
 Work Folders (“synced sharing”)
• Use an internet or corporate network connection
to sync data to local computer from
corporate file servers
 Branch Cache
• Enables computers in a branch office to
cache files that are downloaded from a
shared folder and then securely share
the files to other computers in the branch office
CHRISTIAN D. BAMAN
SUBMITTED BY:

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