LAB 4b: Viewing the Properties of A computer
In this exercise, we will use Server Manager to view the properties of a computer in the domain.

Currently, we have a PDC running, and we have just rebooted the NT workstation computer.

Perform the following steps at the PDC once the workstation has rebooted [DO NOT LOGON to the workstation yet]

1. Using server manager, press F5 to refresh the window

   Question: What does server manager display concerning the TYPE of workstation?
   [Compare this with the earlier question]

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2. Double-click on the workstation to bring up the properties box

   

3. Click on Users to list the users currently logged onto this workstation. This should bring up a box which looks similar to

   

   This shows the user Administrator who is logged in. BUT, remember, you have not yet logged in to this workstation yet. The dialog box shows that you are connected via the IPC$ resource, which is a network channel that server manager uses to extract information from computers in the domain.

4. Close the User Sessions dialog box
5. Click on the Shares button. This brings up a dialog box which looks like,

   

   This clearly shows that the default behavior of Windows NT is to create a number of hidden shares [which end in $]. These shares exist for administrative purposes [like backup, systems management server etc.], and should not be removed.

   Additional Task [Do this on the PDC]
   To verify for yourself that these shares cannot be seen when browsing a network, click on Network Neighbourhood, which will bring up a list of the computers in your domain. Click on the name of the Windows NT Workstation computer, and you will see an empty resource box [indicating no resources or shares that you can connect to].

6. Close the Shared Resources dialog box on Server Manager
7. Click on the Alerts button. This brings up a dialog box which looks like,

   

8. Enter the name of the PDC for the domain and click on ADD
9. Click on HELP for an explanation as to what Alerts are about

   Question?
   Why would you want to use the Alert facility as outlined above?

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10. Click on OK
11. Exit Server Manager