Network servers briefing

1.1 Use a network server to:


• Store and share your files.

• Share a single internet connection between all your computers.

• Manage incoming and outgoing email.
• Allow staff to access files when out and about through a virtual private network (VPN).
• Centralise printing so the server manages print jobs and lets you share printers.

• Run networked applications.


  For example, the server can hold your customer database.


• Host an intranet, a kind of private website holding important information about your business.

Businesses with a large number of computers may need to spread the load across several servers, although virtualisation can help you do more with a single server (see 2.4).


1.2 Some applications may dramatically slow your network if you run them on your server.


They may require a separate server, used just for them. Such applications can include:


• Large shared databases.

• Complex internal mail systems.


2.1 There are clear reasons PC servers dominate the market.


• Hardware is standard, so you can purchase servers, components and add-ons from different suppliers.

• These servers can run the most popular network software (see 4).

• PC-based servers work well with most business software, which is written for the PC.

2.2 ‘Thin client’ systems are becoming more common.


• With a thin client system, your company PCs are replaced by cut down terminals connected to the server.

• All data processing is done on the server, and all data is stored centrally.

• Thin clients are very secure, because data cannot be copied to individual terminals.

2.3 Server virtualisation can let you do more things with a single server:


• Virtualisation uses special software to split a single physical server into several ‘virtual servers’.

• Each virtual server function as a completely seperate server.

• Virtualisation lets you run several complex applications at once, without them interfering with each other.

• Modern servers can be very powerful, so virtualisation lets you use them to their full potential.

2.4 There are some general rules to consider when purchasing a new server:


• Your server will be a key piece of hardware so pick the best you can afford.

• Always look at the complete package, including warranties, support and expandability.

• Budget for extras.

  For example, you may want uninterruptible power (see 3.4) and a backup facility (see 5).


• Setting up a server is complicated.

  Seek help from an expert or a reliable IT supplier.

3.1 Choose a network server with a powerful processor.


• Most servers come with dual or quad core processors.


  These are effectively two or four processors in one, so a quad core processor running at 2GHz is more powerful than a dual core processor running at 2.5GHz.


• The processor is not the only thing that determines server performance.


  The other hardware elements are 
crucial too.


• Look for at least a dual core 3GHz processor.


  If you have lots of users (up to 30) or run demanding applications, you can opt for one or more quad core processors.


3.2 Ensure you have enough RAM available.


You will be able to access files faster with more RAM.


• Do not buy a server with less than 4GB of RAM.

  8GB or more is advisable.


• You will need more RAM if you run a database or any applications on your network server.


3.3 The hard disk is the part of your server that is most likely to fail. 


You should minimise the risk of this happening.


• Ensure the hard disk is large enough for your needs.


  This figure is largely determined by the kind of files you use and what applications you run on the server. As a minimum, get 500GB.

• Consider having several hard-disk drives if you need extra capacity.


  You will probably want to invest in a RAID system, which is designed to tolerate a drive failure and keep on working (see 5.3).


3.4 You may need some additional components.


• A network interface card (NIC) allows the server to connect to your business network.


  A 1GB card should be included.


• You may be able to add additional network cards if you transfer large amounts of data.

• Ensure the server has space to add memory and hard disk drives.


  This makes it easier to upgrade in future.


• An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) will supply power to your server in the event of a power cut (see 5.1).

• A hardware firewall can protect your server from hackers and security threats.


3.5 The cost of your server will vary considerably depending on the specification.


• An entry-level server will cost at least £500.


  More powerful servers can cost thousands.


4.1 The two main network operating systems are Microsoft’s Windows Server and Linux.

• • Both Windows Server and Linux supply the features required on a general-purpose server.

• The systems work with each other, so you can connect Windows PCs to a Linux server.

• You can use both systems with a wide range of processors and hardware.


4.2 You may need additional software to monitor and control everything attached to your network.


• Managing the network becomes more involved as your network grows.

• Make sure any hardware you buy can communicate with the network management software you use.


4.3
You can use the server to install and manage software centrally.


• Once the software on your server, you can roll it out to individual computers in your company.

• This makes it easier to keep all the software in your business up to date.

• Buying software designed for network installation can be cheaper than buying individual copies.


4.4 Some software is supplied as client-server applications.


• For example, your customer relationship management (CRM) software may run centrally on the server.

• When someone in your business wants to use it, their computer (the client) sends a request to the server.

  The request is processed by the server and the client is sent an answer.




• This kind of software consumes a lot of computer time and often needs to be run on a dedicated server (see 1.2).


4.5 You may need additional software.


For instance:


• Virtualisation software makes it easier to use your server for several different things (see 2.4)

• Intranet software enables you to host your intranet on the server.
• • Mail server software lets your server take care of all incoming and outoing email.

• A collaboration package will let you create shared workspaces on the server.

• Security software is key (see 5.4).

5.1 Fit your network server with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).


Essentially, this is a battery that can keep the server running during a power cut.


• The UPS should be compatible with your network operating system and management software.


  This is so the UPS can shut down the network properly.


5.2 Back up your data.


• Choose a convenient, fast backup device.


  You might use a mirroring system (to copy information onto a second hard disk), a tape system or online backup.


• Ensure you can automatically back up at least one day’s worth of new data.

• Use backup software to automate the backup procedure.


  This allows you to run backups when the system is not being heavily used.


• Backup new data every day and take a full copy of the entire hard disk every week.

• Store a full copy of the system off site and test restoring from your backup at least every three months.


5.3 You can protect against hard disk failure.


• Use a RAID (redundant array of independent disks) system.

• Raid spreads your data across several hard drives so it can be reconstructed even if one of the drives fails.

• RAID should be used alongside a seperate backup system.


5.4 Use security software to protect your server.


• A security package should include virus, Trojan and spyware protection, plus a software firewall.

• Use a hardware firewall to provide an additional layer of protection.

5.5 Keep all server software up to date.


• This helps protect your server from hackers targetting vulnerabilities in the software.

5.6 Make sure your server is physically secure.

• Keep your server in a locked room with access restricted to essential personnel only.

• Consider keeping it off the ground floor to protect against flood damage.


6.1 You may need to upgrade your hardware.


• Adding more RAM will improve the speed at which your network server responds (see 2.2).

• You can add additional hard drives when you need more storage.

6.2 You may need to upgrade your software.


Upgrading or changing network software may involve reconfiguring all the computers connected to the server.


• You may occasionally need to update your network operating system.