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Buying a Server: What You Need to Know Before You Buy Server

November 21, 2022
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Buying a server for your business is a big decision. If you don’t know what to look for, you could end up making the wrong choice and paying too much. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the correct server depending on needs of your business. Even if you want a server for small business (SMB), we've got you covered.

We hope that this guide has been helpful in helping you find the correct server for your needs.

How do servers work and why is it important?

How do servers work? It is a computer that provides data to other computers. They have higher computing power than regular desktops. It can be used to provide access to files, websites, email, and other services. Servers are usually much more powerful than the computers that they serve. This is because they need to be able to handle multiple requests at the same time.

Why is it important? They are a key part of the internet and computer networks. They make it possible for us to access the resources we need, when we need them. Without servers, we would not be able to enjoy the same level of connectivity that we do today. They are mostly used in database management facilities.

How to choose what type of server you need for your business

There are many different types of servers available on the market today, and choosing the right one for your business can be a daunting task. However, by taking into account your business's specific needs, you can narrow down your choices and find the server that best suits your business.

First, you need to determine what type of workloads your server will be handling. If you have a small business with only a few employees, then a small, single-server solution may be all you need. However, if you have a larger business or one with heavy traffic, then you may need a more powerful server or even a cluster of servers.

Next, you need to consider what operating system you want to run on your server. Windows and Linux are the two most popular choices, but there are also other options available. Once you've decided on an operating system, you'll need to choose the right software to run on it. This will depend on what type of applications and services you need to run on your server.

Finally, you need to take into account your budget when choosing a server. More powerful servers will obviously cost more money, but they may be necessary for your business. Fortunately, there are many affordable options available on the market today. By carefully considering your needs, you can find the right server for your business without breaking the bank.

What are some ways you can utilize a small business server?

A small business server can be used in a number of ways to help manage and run a small business. 

-use it as a file server to store and share documents and other files

-use it as a print server to share printers and other printing resources

-use it as a web server to host a website or web application

-use it as an email server to manage and route email for your domain

-use it as a database server to host databases for your applications

They can also be used to store data, share files and printers, and host email and websites. They can also be used to run applications and databases, and provide remote access for employees.

What factors to consider when purchasing a server for your business?

A doctor using a tower server for his cabin

What's the difference between a server and a NAS?

NAS stands for Network Attached Storage. A NAS is basically a hard drive connected to your network that you can access remotely. You can use it to store files, music, movies, etc. Servers are computers that have their own operating system and software. They're often used for hosting websites, email, databases, data storage, etc.

Do I need a RAID array?

RAID stands for Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. RAID arrays are great for storing data. They're especially useful for backing up your computer. RAID 0 is a special kind of RAID array where you combine several drives together to create a single larger drive. RAID 1 is similar to RAID 0, except instead of combining drives together, you mirror them. Among the different RAID configurations, RAID 5 combines the best of both worlds in terms of efficiency and performance.

What should I look for in a server?

You'll want to make sure that your server has enough RAM. RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It's basically a temporary memory that stores information while your computer is running. More RAM means faster performance. Also, look at the CPU speed. Your CPU is responsible for handling everything that happens on your computer. Finally, look at the amount of storage space. You'll want to make sure you have enough room to store all of your files.

What about operating system?

The Operating System is the program that runs on top of your hardware components. There are many different kinds of OSes out there. Linux is a popular open-source OS. Windows is a proprietary OS. Mac OS X is a proprietary OS. Each one has its pros and cons. Linux is free, but it doesn't always run well on older hardware. Windows is easier to install and configure, but it costs money. Mac OS X is expensive and requires a lot of technical knowledge.

What about security?

Security is a big deal these days. Hackers are constantly trying to get into people's computers. To protect yourself, you'll want to make sure your server has antivirus software installed. You'll also want to make sure that you keep your password secure. Don't give anyone your username and password!

What about backups?

Backups are extremely important. Backing up your data is the only way to ensure that you won't lose anything. You can back up your data using external hard drives, cloud services, or even online backup sites. Make sure that you know how to restore your data.

Types of servers

Server types include rack server, tower and microservers.

Dell Rack Servers stacked on top of each other

Rack servers are the most common server type. They are designed to be mounted in a rack or cabinet and connected via a standard backplane. Rack servers also have an upper limit on the number of sockets that can be used to connect peripheral devices. They are designed to be stacked vertically on top of each other. This makes them more compact than tower servers, but they can still hold a lot of equipment. Rack servers are usually used in small businesses and home offices where space is limited.

1U (1 Unit) rack servers are small form factor servers that come with 1U form factor chassis. They typically have only one HDD bay, but they can still accommodate up to 128GB RAM per processor socket.

2U (2 Units) rack server is a term used to describe a server with two CPUs sockets and multiple HDD bays that allow for maximum expansion of storage capacity within the chassis itself. 2U servers can contain up to eight hot-swap HDDs or tape drives, depending on the manufacturer's specifications for each model.

HPE Tower servers

Tower servers have similar features as rack servers, but they are physically larger than rack servers and have more expansion slots and more room for equipment inside. They're also quieter and cooler than rack counterparts because there aren't as many fans running around in the space.

microserver

Microservers are 1U-sized servers manufactured with thin micro-ATX motherboards and miniaturized components such as power supplies and cooling fans that reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining high performance levels. If you're looking for a small server with minimal features, a microserver might be perfect for your needs. These machines come in varying shapes and sizes, but they're typically about half the size of a standard server rack unit.

How to select the best server for your business needs?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best server for your business needs will vary depending on the specific requirements of your business. However, some factors to consider when choosing a server include the type of business you have, the size of your business, your budget, and the specific features and capabilities you need.

Server Hardware

The first thing you need to know before purchasing a server is what type of hardware specifications you want. The CPU is the heart of your device; it determines how fast and efficient your application runs. You should look for a processor that supports Intel’s Xeon processors or AMD EPYC range, which come in both single-CPU and multi-CPU models. These both offer better performance because they have more cores, so they can do more at once without slowing down your application or crashing from overloading itself with too much work

Operating System

You should choose server OS that is compatible with the hardware you plan to buy. If you're going to run Windows, make sure you get a version that supports Hyper-V. Linux is a popular choice for virtualization.

Memory

Memory is measured in gigabytes (GB). A standard server starts with 8GB of memory, but higher is recommended. The main consideration is whether you need a lot of RAM — 8 GB or more — and whether you want an LGA socket type processor, which allows for more heatsinks and fans to cool it.

Hard Drive Space

HDD space is measured in terabytes (TB). A standard server comes preinstalled with 500 GB of space, but 1 TB is recommended.

CPU Speed

CPU speed refers to how fast the processor works. The faster it is, the faster the computer will perform tasks. Most servers today come with dual core CPUs, but quad cores are becoming increasingly popular.

Networking

Network cards are measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Most servers today come with 10/100 Mbps network cards, but 100 Mbps is recommended.

Power Supply

They are measured in watts. Most servers today come equipped with 550 W, but 1000 W is recommended.

Server Interior showing the various components

Conclusion: How to find the right server that fits all your business needs

If you're looking for a server that fits all your business needs and can be installed quickly, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, identify what type of server you need - physical or virtual. If you're not sure, ask your IT department or consult a professional. Second, make sure it has enough storage and RAM to meet your needs. Third, choose a reputable brand that offers good customer support. Finally, get it installed by a professional to ensure it's set up correctly.

Make sure that it comes with all the features you need and can be set up easily so that your entire business can run smoothly.

With all this information, you're ready to purchase a new asset.

If you need any more information, or want to buy servers, just give us a call or email us at amaan@comprint.co.in