If you are considering buying a server for your business, but are confused by why and when you need one, read on to demystify the whole process.
So you need to network your business? Got more than 5 pc's? You should really look at buying a server. A server differs from a desktop in it's architecture. The components of a server are designed to process network traffic, a central brain or nerve centre if you prefer.
It's primary function is to make sure that all your pc's can file share and store in a central, convenient location. This enables you to back up one server, as opposed to 5 pc's.
Sometimes a company may choose to decommission a workstation and use it as a server (or 'werver' as they are also known). This is a poor relation to an actual server as desktops were never designed to handle the load a server is designed for.
So we have established if you need a server or not. Let's take a look at the main types of server:
Tower Server - Recommended for small businesses. Looks like a workstation and can be situated where you prefer. You should bear in mind that servers are noisier than desktop and also run a lot hotter. Best to try and give it a quiet location and lots of airflow.
Rack Server - Provides all the same functions as a tower server but slots into a rack (shelf) that must be purchased seperately. You may already have a rack that holds a router, hub or switch for example. If not, there is certainly no need to go out and buy one just to house a server.
Blade Server - Typically high end servers that perform better, run quieter and more efficiently. They have modular boards (blades) within the chassis, each performing a unique function .Not really suitable or needed for a small business.
The choice of the majority of small businesses is the tower server, it's somehow less scary and you know where you stand with it.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Spec Your Server
So what do you need in your server?
Well, hard disk drives would be a good start. Servers can hold multiple disk drives, this is good for ensuring safety of information. A common hard disk set up for the small business is what is known as a RAID 1 mirror. RAID is an acronym for 'Redundant Array of Inexspensive Disks'. Fancy huh?
A RAID 1 mirror uses two disk drives, the second drive automatically replicating what data is on the first drive. Should one of your disk drives give up the ghost, your second drive will still hold all of your data. Phew!
Let's not forget the memory, servers crave memory, really they should have 1 gigabyte minimum but i recommend you consider 2 gigabyte to be sure of fast performance.
I recommend: Servers Direct
Choose Your Operating System
Servers have a unique operating system, don't worry, it looks much the same as a standard Windows operating system.
For small businesses with less than 15 desktops you should look to purchase Microsoft Small Business Server. This is a cut price software package, it takes care of day-to-day network tasks and also centralizes your email. Brilliant!
Of course you could always go for a Unix/Linux operating system but i won't be covering that here.
I recommend: Small Business Server Information
Extra Equipment Needed
So you have your server and your workstations, we need to link them all together somehow. An inexpensive switch will do the trick. Be wary here, a switch and a hub look the same but are different. You need a switch as it has a brain and manages network traffic more efficiently. We plug your switch into the server via a standard network lead (usually CAT5 or CAT6 if you are posh and have fibre optics, which you probably don't). Your desktops simply plug into an available port on your switch - make sure you buy a switch with enough ports, one for each of your pc's will be enough. You are now networked!
I recommend: Servers Direct Networking Section
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Don't forget to grab yourself some backup software so you can save your data every night! better to be safe than sorry!
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