What is DFS (Distributed File System)

DFS (Distributed File System)

It is feature of Windows server 2000,2003,2008 and 2012. It is use to manage all the sharefolders of the different file servers. It is use for very large networks. We have to install DFS in Windows 2008 and 2012. We must install file service before the DFS feature.  It is use centralize administration of the different sharefolders, we can create links or shortcuts of the existing sharefolders without assigning any drive letter such as home folder.  Users can also easily access any folder without knowing the actual path of folder.

DFS Namespace or DFS Root

It is a sharefolder to create DFS Link. There are 2 types of DFS Namespace :-

1. Standalone DFS Namespace      It can be use in the domain or workgroup network. It cannot replicate.

2. Domain DFS Namespace     It can be use in the domain and it can replicate.

DFS Link

It is shortcut of the existing sharefolder. It can be create within DFS Namespace.

NOTE: There is no limit to create Namespace and Link in DFS.

NOTE: DFS Replica or Target can be use for fault tolerance in DFS.

Hyper-V (Virtualization)

It is built-in feature of Windows 2008 R2 and higher versions of Server OS. It is not compatible with VMware. It requires 64 bit CPU with executable bits and VT feature must be enable in BIOS or CMOS setup.  It is use to create virtual machines. We can use Virtual Network Adapter for network connection and we can select Private, Internal and External.

Virtualization is use for cost saving, for testing purpose, for training purpose, for better fault tolerance etc.

We can also use Microsoft Virtual PC, Oracle Virtual Box etc. for virtualization.