What Is A "server"?

[tesco]

Originally posted by peat moss@24 June 2004 - 09:13
@rossco dot printers last for years tho, not that big. In an office setting you need multiple copies , like two or three part paper. Runs on a track. Ribbions last for months. So its cheaper ! Sorry I have to run ,I'll be late for work.

oh, ok, didn't know it goes to more than one page at a time, that's kool. lol.

[lynx]

Usually, the main thing to consider is that servers run 24/7. I think we are used to that here, but of course they have to be ultra reliable. Getting a higher spec processor and underclocking might be a good idea. And of course high disk activity is likely, so good disk cooling is a must.

Next is security. How secure do these servers need to be?

Many small offices don't actually need true domain servers, since everyone in the office needs access at all times in any case. You need to consider whether this is true for your brother's business. In any case, it depends to a small extent on what software is running on other pc's around the business.

If you decide that you do need the beefed up security, I'm assuming you will install Windows Server 2003. In that case you will have 2 domain controllers, peat moss is a little out of date with the PDC and BDC concept, that went out with NT4. Domain controllers now all have equal priority, which makes management a whole lot easier.

Finally, you need to consider load balancing. Apart from security, there is absolutely no point in having 2 servers with only one doing all the work. You can get software which will do this automatically, but it is expensive and not easy to set up. On the other hand it makes backup much easier, and recovery from a failure situation is usually automatic.

[clocker]

Thanks folks.

We will definitely be running Windows Server 2003.
I'm not at all worried about the software...my brother has been writing code for nearly 20 years, he will teach me a lot, no doubt.

No worries about tech support either.
Both machines will be going to California...one may soon move on to China.
Actually, I wouldn't mind a service call to China.