FAQ

Your Server Questions, Answered

7. How does a server increase network security?

When a server is used to consolidate Internet access for an office with multiple networked workstations, the server basically hides the network addresses of the office's computers from the outside world. Any outsider gaining access to the server should see only the server itself and not the workstations on the network or their contents. The server can also monitor network traffic and look for suspicious events.

8. How much RAM will my server need?

More is usually better, but tends to drive up the purchase price. The rule of thumb is that you need a gigabyte (which is today's basic configuration in most cases) for a network of up to 10 users.

9. How much air conditioning does a server need?

That depends on many variables, but multiple servers crowded into small spaces, such as closets, are in danger of over-heating and subsequent failing due to heat damage (the warranty will not cover this problem). Failure becomes a danger when the internal temperature rises much above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Some systems will shut down automatically if their internal temperature gets too high. For others, system failure may be the first sign of trouble.

To provide a margin for cooling, it's considered a best practice to keep servers in locations where the room temperature is between 68 and 74 degrees. Humidity should be kept at about 50 percent -- too high, and condensation can form; too low, and static electricity becomes a problem.

Data centers with endless rows of racks require elaborate cooling measures. For a smaller business with fewer servers, the trick is to ensure proper ventilation for the servers. Providing a separate thermostat or air conditioning is a good idea and there should always be a way to monitor temperature in the server environment even if that's a thermometer on the wall.

A small number of tower-style servers dispersed throughout an open office don't need a separate A/C system, as they will have plenty of ventilation and the comfort level of the employees usually matches the requirements of the servers.

10. There are so many server models -- how do I choose?

The top server makers all have on-line tools that will suggest a model (from among their own product lines, of course) based on your stated preferences and needs. These include:

11. What operating system is best for what purpose?

"Best" is a subjective term, but here are some popular choices for some common server applications:

12. How much should I spend on a server?

Your level of spending -- whatever it is -- depends on your information technology strategy. If an enterprise chooses to spend money on IT, it should do so for a set reason, and not because "It's what everyone does."

These days, office work involves an unspoken assumption that you will be circulating computer files, especially word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation files (typically Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or the equivalent). Supporting that assumption will usually involve putting a workstation on the desk of every office worker. Effective coordination of those workstations will often require one or more servers.

But supporting that assumption does not mean acquiring technology for its own sake -- all acquisitions should support the goals of the organization. Office computers are tools, not toys. If the organization needs to coordinate a mobile workforce, then mobile devices rather than servers are a priority. If the organization needs to produce digital videos from a particular office, than an air-conditioned closet with a rack of server blades for that office may be appropriate.

With any IT purchase, the best advice is to get the most powerful device your budget can handle. That will put off the day you will need to upgrade, as most computer hardware becomes obsolete long before it wears out.

Today, costs for tower servers range from $500 for an entry-level unit up to $8,000 at the high end, without software. A file and print server for an office of about 50 users, with a dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 1 terabyte of disk storage (on four drives) would cost $3,000-5,000, depending on the software and options selected.

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