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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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