New Server Setup Start to Finish (Part 1)

So you want to setup your first server and you need a little guidance to help you along. Well your in the right place. Over the next few weeks I will be walking you through a complete server setup from start to finish. So for part one of this series let's go over what server types of software products there are out there and determine what will work best for your network.

There are three main types of networks, (1)business based networks - These types of networks typically range anywhere from 5 client computer to thousands. And can have more th one server to join the network together. (2)Advanced Home networks - Typically ranging from 2 - 8 client computers. And is used primarily for sharing media files like mp3's or videos. This is the type of network we will be building during the weeks to come. (3) Typical home network - this type of network doesn't require a server at all and is still capable of file sharing and even print sharing.
So you may be asking yourself why do I need a server if I can file share and print share without one. Well let's go over the benefits of a server based network. First of all let's say you have 6 client computers setup on a network with no server and let's say client one needs to have access to client 2's shared folder to find some music. Or wait a minute, was it on client 3's computer, or was I on client 5's? Aww now you see how files can be lost within the network of shared folders and cause a big hassle. Another benefit for having a server setup is to keep the client computers resources available at all times. If two people are opening a movie on client ones shared folder then client ones hard drive is being used and will slow down the performa of the computer. Another benefit for having a server based network is the ability to backup your shared files at one time and ensure you never loose a file again keeping your files safe and secure even if your client computers crash.

Some businesses require a server in order to run certain software within there company. For example a medical billing software called Medisoft requires a server if you need more the one client access to the software's database.

How much will a server cost me?
The hardware portion of a server may not be as much as you may thing depending on the type of network you are setting up. If your just looking for a home server setup and you only have a few client computers connected at any given time then you may only need a standard home PC from your local Best Buy. Or better yet if you have an extra old computer already laying around the house collecting dust. So what are the minimum system requirements of Microsoft Windows Server 2008?

Processor
Minimum: 1 GHz (x86 processor) or 1.4 GHz (x64 processor)
Recommended: 2 GHz or faster Note: An Intel Itanium 2 processor is required for Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems.

Memory
Minimum: 512 MB RAM
Recommended: 2 GB RAM or greater
Maximum (32-bit systems): 4 GB (Standard) or 64 GB (Enterprise and Datacenter)
Maximum (64-bit systems): 32 GB (Standard) or 1 TB (Enterprise and Datacenter) or 2 TB (Itanium-Based Systems)

Available Disk Space
Minimum: 10 GB
Recommended: 40 GB or greater Note: Computers with more than 16 GB of RAM will require more disk space for paging, hibernation, and dump files.

Drive DVD-ROM drive
Display and Peripherals
Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution monitor
Keyboard
Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

So let's say you have an old computer that meets these requirements, then how much is all the software going to cost? Well server 2008 will average around $200 to $500 and you will need to evaluate how many client computers have the correct operating system installed. Your client computers will need one of the following operating systems to allow a connection to the server:
Windows XP Pro
Windows Vista Pro
Windows Vista Ultimate
Windows 7 Pro

These are the recommended operating systems for a server running server 2008. For our guide we will be using Windows XP Professional on our client computers. These operating systems for your client computers will cost anywhere from $200 to $300. So for your budget home network build with an existing typical non server setup already established will cost anywhere from $600 to $1000 or more depending on your requirements.

What am I getting myself into?
Setting up a server for the first time can be a little intimidating, so let's go over what this will involve.
If your looking to setup a server for your business and if you will require software like QuickBooks Point of Sale , or a medical billing software suite, ext. Then you will most likely need a professional to help you with your network setup to ensure your company data will be safe and secure. As well as follow guidelines for HIPAA when it comes to the medical business.

Setting up your network can take some time depending on the size of the network and what roles you would like to include. The server can be setup and installed in as little as 3 hours if you know what your doing. The remaining network can take about an hour if your clients already contain the operating system needed. You will also need to ensure your router or gateway is setup correctly for the clients to connect smoothly to the server.

Now that we know what we are in for and we understand the cost and the benefits, and if a home server still seems like your best value then let's start having some fun!

Stay tuned for Part 2 of New Server Setup Start to Finish...