Server Information from Microsoft Server Support specialists
Computer Server Information to consider when selecting a new or upgraded computer server:
Do I need a Server?
As a general rule, most businesses of 5 or more employees will run more efficiently with a server to manage their network operations. A network of 5 or more stations without a server puts your business at risk for security threats, limited resource sharing, down time and data loss.
With a server, you get enhanced file security, increased reliability, and easily shared resources. Centralized data storage means back up of data is easier to handle -- and less likely to be be forgotten. Virus protection is easier to provide, update, and monitor on a server than it would be on many different stand alone stations.
Servers make for fewer interruptions in work - redundant systems like back up power supply options and multiple hard drives can make it easy to get back on line quickly in case of a problem - and easy to replace faulty hardware without impacting your whole system.
Can I use an existing computer for a server?
Most computers can be configured to run a server operating system. However, a desktop is designed to handle your many desktop related tasks - word processing, local file management, email creation, shared calendars, spreadsheets and desktop publishing. The desktop is required to handle many different tasks in a user friendly way. It is not an "expert" at being a server.
A server is designed just for its one task - it is very good at that one task and does nothing else. (With "virtualization" multiple server applications can run on one piece of server hardware, eliminating the need for multiple pieces of server equipment. Ask us if Virtualization can save you space and dollars.)
Types of Servers
In general, a Server is a computer or a computer program that provides services - "serves" - other computers or computer programs. It is designed to store, manage, send or otherwise process data, working behind the scenes for you.
- File Server - a file server is a storage device dedicated to storing files
- Print Server - your print server manages printers, allowing multiple offices to use one printer or allowing one computer to select from various printers to handle the specific print job
- Data Base Server - a database server processes data base queries
- Web Server - a web server delivers web pages to the internet based on URLs
- Email Server - your email server manages your email business wide.
(Note: if you are hosting your email in-house, we can help you manage Exchange or help you migrate to Office 365.)
Servers are categorized by their size and application -
Home users and very small businesses may run a micro server or home server – an off the shelf server advertised as easy to install and maintain - brands like HP, NetGear, QNap, Seagate, and Synolog
Many businesses find a Network Attached Strategy or NAS, Tower, Rack, or Blade system better suited to their needs. Brands might include Dell, Fujitso, HP, IBM, Lenovo and Oracle.
Windows Servers --
Many businesses today run on Windows servers. Microsoft Windows Server applications include
Windows Server 2012 (including Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Foundation, Windows Server 2012 Standard, Windows Server 2012 Data Center, and Windows Server 2012 Essentials)
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 is a stand alone operating system typically recommended for use on servers rather than home desktops.
Microsoft Small business server (SBS) is an all in one server typically used by small businesses with up to 75 users.
The SBS handles
- email
- threat management
- connections to the internet
- sharing files and printers
- data backup
- user access management
