Servers Buying Guide

Server buying tips

First, some definition is needed. The word "server" is used in several, similar ways:

• The computer hardware to which you connect your network.
• The operating system software that runs your network (properly, but not always, called "server applications").
• Both the computer hardware and operating systems software all hooked together and operating.

So, be forewarned: don't buy a server thinking you're also getting a server, because you might end up with just a server.

An oft-repeated computer proverb is, "Buy the most computer hardware you can afford and grow into it." This is not an exercise in conspicuous consumption; it is a recognition that computer equipment changes quickly; the more up-to-date the computer system you buy, the longer before it becomes obsolete. Some users try to save money buying cheap computers and adding some computer hardware. These people often end up unhappy because a cheap computer, even with quality upgrades, is still, basically, a cheap computer! Happy customers are those who spend what they must to buy the computer system they need.

Computer industry experts say that the memory needs of a business can double every year. If the server you buy doesn't have all the memory you think you'll need for the time you'll have it, be sure you can add RAM upgrades. Also, look for a server that comes with at least one gigabit Ethernet port (which provides data transfers at up to one billion bits per second as well as current Ethernet speeds). A huge data block is great, but if it takes an hour to get huge files out of it, it is not an advantage.

Server categories

Spare server

If the company really can't afford something better or is very small (like a home computer network), server applications can be loaded onto any desktop computer or laptop computer that you aren't using, and that computer can act as a server. Networking this spare computer to the other computers and peripherals (printer, fax machine, whatever) can work perfectly well if the spare has enough memory and a fast processor. If not, the whole computer system may slow down a bit while sharing info at the server's lower speed.

Workstation server

If you don't have a spare computer, one of the computers in the network can do double duty as workstation and server. The process is basically the same, load the server software on to the workstation and run. This is called peer-to-peer networking. It has some drawbacks: it allows everyone in the computer system to access that workstation's hard drive and RAM upgrades for this server may be a problem, especially if the workstation server has only one hard drive.

Dedicated server

This is the way to go, if possible, with computer equipment designed specifically as a server. These have grown in popularity over the past decade as file storage needs have exploded. One could almost say this type isn't a computer, but a group of computer modules (often called "blades") built into a single unit. Many are designed to be expandable by adding additional blades or networking the servers together into still larger units. This modular design theory makes these servers infinitely more flexible than earlier computers, allowing businesses to add memory, processor power or other features as needed. Dedicated servers can have memory capacities exceeding 1 terabyte (1TB = 1,000GB = 1,000,000MB) and processors that allow large complex files to be used by several persons at once. These servers, by the way, are not usually available at your neighborhood computer store and are definitely a don't-do-it-yourself project, unless you have a degree in computer engineering.

Dedicated servers have several advantages. You can connect this one computer to your internet service provider and email system. That way, you can save money with one large subscriber fee instead of many, many small fees. You can install all your software--business applications, security and utility software, reference software, etc.--on the server instead of every individual laptop or desktop computer and save money. You'll need a multi-user software license, of course, but that, too, is much less costly than individual licenses. Like all electronics, costs continue to spiral downward, with some dedicated servers now costing less than a desktop computer.

Server terminology

Node: The individual elements of a network; each computer or peripheral that comprises the network plus any mobile devices (PDAs, cell phones or laptops) while temporarily connected to the network are nodes.

Router: A small server-like device used in homes or small businesses with small computer systems. It connects several computers to the Internet via one Web account, or several devices to each other. Internet connection routers which include computer security software are often marketed as "residential gateways."

Print server: It isn't really a server; it's a router specifically designed to connect several computers to one printer.

Server care

Most server owners don't need to worry about physical computer security; the server is in a locked room in a locked building. However, cyber-security is possibly the most pressing issue in 21st Century computer science. Keeping your computer system free from viruses, spyware and other intrusive programs can be a full-time job. Security and utilities software are applications which help you protect and manage the data in your computer system:

• Anti-spyware prevents outside software from reading private files and sending the data outside your computer equipment.
• Anti-virus software prevents outside software from entering and damaging your computer system.
• Compression software reduces the size of files, allowing more to be stored in the system.
• Firewall software prevents applications or devices from communicating with outside sources without your knowledge and permission.
• Monitoring software allows computer system administrators to track use of computer hardware and software by system users.

When networking together, the server is the most logical place to load security utilities.

Other server features

Refurbished

Used computers can be, when you can find good ones, great money savers. For various reasons, computers go back to the factory or to reseller companies. Computer equipment is tested, repaired then resold. It's like buying "certified pre-owned" cars--cheaper because they are used but with a warranty, so it isn't a complete shot-in-the-dark on quality.

• Negatives: There may be small, but noticeable, cosmetic flaws like scratches or dents. The warranty may be as short as 30 or 90 days. Depending on how they were used previously, they may lack components you want: sound card, optical drive or large memory, for example. Because they average three or four years old, they may not have the fastest processors.
• Positives: They can be much less expensive than factory new. Cosmetic flaws are no big deal. If they lack certain components, upgrades are available at reasonable cost. Computers have become so advanced over the passed few years, that an almost-new computer might meet your needs as well as a factory-fresh machine.

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