You want to monitor and configure your organization's removable media resources, including a tape library and optical disks, on a Windows 2000 Server. Which tool should you use?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Removable Storage

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Windows 2000 Server includes several administrative tools for managing storage resources. When you use tape libraries, optical jukeboxes, or other automated media changers, you need a tool that can manage these devices and the removable media they use. This question focuses on identifying the correct Windows 2000 tool to monitor and configure removable media resources across the server.


Given Data / Assumptions:

    Your organization uses removable media devices such as tape libraries and optical disk systems.
    You are running Windows 2000 Server and want a centralized way to manage these devices and their media pools.
    You must choose from tools like Remote Storage, Sounds and Multimedia, Imaging, and Removable Storage.
    The goal is to configure media, track usage, and manage libraries rather than just managing sound or image acquisition.


Concept / Approach:
Removable Storage is a Windows 2000 component that manages libraries of removable media, such as tape drives and optical disk libraries. It maintains media pools, tracks the location of tapes and discs, and coordinates with backup and archival applications. Remote Storage is related, but it focuses on automatically migrating infrequently used data from disk to tape as part of hierarchical storage management. Sounds and Multimedia controls audio devices and sound schemes, while Imaging handles scanners and digital cameras. The only tool specifically designed for managing tape libraries and other removable media resources is Removable Storage.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognize that the question is about monitoring and configuring removable media devices such as tape libraries and optical discs. Step 2: Recall that Removable Storage is the Windows component built for managing such devices and their media pools. Step 3: Note that Remote Storage deals with data migration policies, not direct low-level management of the hardware resources and media organization. Step 4: Understand that Sounds and Multimedia and Imaging are unrelated to storage libraries; they manage audio and imaging hardware respectively. Step 5: Conclude that Removable Storage is the correct tool.


Verification / Alternative check:
In practical administration, when you open the Microsoft Management Console and add the Removable Storage snap-in, you see media pools, libraries, and drives listed. You can configure which media belongs to which pool, view statistics, and integrate with backup software. None of the other tools provide this level of control over removable media, confirming that Removable Storage is correct.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Remote Storage – Used to automatically migrate infrequently accessed files from disk to removable media but not the primary interface for direct media and library management.

Sounds and Multimedia – Manages system sounds, audio devices, and multimedia settings, unrelated to removable storage hardware.

Imaging – Handles scanners, cameras, and other imaging devices, not tape or optical libraries.


Common Pitfalls:
A common confusion is between Remote Storage and Removable Storage due to their similar names. Remember that Removable Storage focuses on managing the hardware and media, whereas Remote Storage focuses on data movement policies. For exam questions, carefully read whether the focus is on library and media configuration or on automatic file migration.


Final Answer:
To monitor and configure tape libraries and optical discs, you should use the Removable Storage tool in Windows 2000.

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