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Tips
On Picking Your Ideal Server
Servers are the
most important component of any LAN; governing performance, functionality
and security. The explosive growth in computer networking has led to
a huge demand for server hardware. Many of these firms can also offer
sound advice on what to buy to suit your particular network and the
applications you want to run, but it still pays to be armed with a modicum
of information before you start. That way you can make sure the server
you get is up to the job, and be certain you're not paying for technology
you don't need. Looking forward to get your first server - What are
the checklists for you before you purchase a server? Do you know what
you should be looking for? Here are the rules of thumb for all server
purchasers.
Buyers'
Checklist
- Always look for
a system designed from the ground up to be a server. Putting a desktop
PC in a big case doesn't offer the capacity or reliability needed
of a true server.
- Choose a manufacturer
with networking expertise that can provide a high level of technical
support.
- Have the operating
system pre-installed particularly if you're new to networking, in
which case also look for pre-configured small business server packages
with additional server software thrown in.
- If your principle
need is to share files and printers don't bother with Symmetrical
Multi-Processor servers. These only come into their own when you intend
running an application such as a Web server, database engine or E-mail
server.
- Don't skimp on
memory -- as with a desktop PC, the more RAM the better. On a small
network of up to 10 users 64Mb is probably fine, but as you add users
and applications a lot more will be required.
- Go for as much
redundancy as possible with multiple power supplies and extra fans
if available.
- Error Checking
and Correction (ECC) memory will help keep your server running.
- A network adapter
is essential. Opt for a fast Ethernet card that can support Gigabit
or 100Mbit/sec as well as 10Mbit/sec connections. Multiple network
cards can be installed to provide useful protection against hardware
failure, as well as boosting server bandwidth.
- It may be more
expensive, but SCSI storage is a lot better than EIDE: with SCSI you
can attach more disks, use the same controller for your tape backup
drive and upgrade to RAID. Look out for the latest Ultra2 SCSI specification,
capable of transferring data at up to 80Mb/sec.
- Hot-pluggable
disks make for easy expansion and maintenance, with a RAID adapter
to provide an extra level of redundancy and fault tolerance.
- Basic monitoring
and management is a must, on top of which look for remote, out-of-band,
management facilities and SNMP support if you have various remote
sites.
- Backup is very
important so specify a built-in tape backup drive as part of the server
package and additional backup software to protect your network data
properly.
Taken from Dell
Asia Pacific
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