Need advice on building a Server........

[SupaDupaCheez]

I wasn't sure which forum to post this in so be nice to me 🙂.

Here goes....

I am currently looking to setup my first server and need some advice. I am going to enroll in a Networking course in the next few months (I haven't decided which one exactly) and would like to build a 'test subject' to practice on. I would also like to use this as a simple file-sharing server between a few friends and family. I do not do gaming at all or any heavy duty programs if that has any bearing.

I HAVE:
Case: Antec SX1030 w/PP303x 300w PS
Connection: Adelphia Cable (with a great connection)
LAN Card: Linksys EtherFast 10/100 LNE100TX
Power: UPS
HDD: Maxtor 20Gb ATA66
RAM: Kingston Value 256MB PC133
OS: Windows 98SE

My Questions:

1. What should I look for when buying a Motherboard (besides stability)? (Currently leaning towards Epox 8KTA3 w/Duron 700 or higher)

2. For my purposes (stated above) and for class purposes, what type of HUB/ROUTER should I buy? Remember...I'm cheap😉!

3. Is RAID a necessity or just a good idea?

4. Is a dual CPU setup better or just overkill for my needs? If I went dual it would be a cheap dual system (nothing like dual 733's or anything close to it).

5. I'm pretty sure that I would have to upgrade to Windows2k of some variety. Which one is best (Advanced server is out of the question unless you have a free copy for me😀)

6. Is there anything I'm missing?

Due to the expense of classes and other projects (my '70 Chevelle), this has to be on the cheap but not crap (which I guess is all relative).

One last thing, while I have built a few computers for myself/family/friends, I am in no way an expert (as if you couldn't tell) so please give me links and/or easy explanations if at all possible.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

SupaDupaCheez (who is a little short on Cheez right now😱)

'May the Cheez be with you'

 

[her209]

What kind of server is this? Servers are more than just hardware, its has software components as well. There are different kinds of servers as well: Web, FTP, Email, File, Print... the list goes on.

The answers to your questions are:

1. One that can support a lot of RAM even if you dont have the max amount on hand.

2. If you are connecting your Server to a LAN, then you need a Hub + run some NAT (Network Address Translation) software, or an alternative is to buy a Router with a switch built in such as Netgear RT314. NAT allows all your computer on your network to access the internet as well as your Server, assumming your server is the gateway. The first suggestion is cheaper but slower for Internet connection sharing. The second option is faster but more costlier.

3. RAID is not really neccessary unless you plan on getting a lot of visitors on your machine.

4. Dual CPU is not really necessary, however a fast processor is.

5. Microsoft Windows has IIS component which in itself is Web Server, FTP Server, and some other servers... you can begin messing around with those.

 

[vegetation]

By all means get your hands on Win2K Server. If you're just tinkering around you can get the 120 day free trial version from MS.

 

[blstriker]

If you have the hardware laying around, I suggest you just build any basic machine, nothing too fancy unless that machine is going to be a real server later on. This machine is just to get your acquainted with running a server so raid, dual cpu, all that stuff is probably overkill. If you're building a server, you should run server software like w2k server, linux, bsd, etc. Otherwise, you're just using win98 like a desktop.. nothing new.

 

[MulLa]

Basically any modern day computer with plenty of RAM can serve your purpose well.

 

[SupaDupaCheez]

Thanks for the help everyone. I'll only be using my server to connect 2 other PC's in my house to the internet and to share files with a few select friends so there won't be any real 'public' usage. It's a bit confusing reading these forums when you are just starting out because there are so many people with different levels of background. This sometimes makes it hard to filter through the non-essential items and get down to the basics.

As far as this 'server' becoming 'public' in the future...I'll upgrade down the line when needed and when my cashflow allows it!

Thanks for clearing up my main questions (I'm sure that I'll have more questions as I go).

SupaDupaCheez

 

[Scarpozzi]

For that kind of server you could even run Windows98. If you get Win2k Pro, you can even run that as a server for a group that small. Just keep in mind if you use IIS, get ALL the security patches. There's been a lot of hacking from oversees lately since IIS has those holes that give anyone on the net access to the logical drive your webhosting is on... ScArY~!

 

[wolfsblood]

For alot of RAM the epox 8kta3 board would be great, because it has 4 slots. RAID would only be necessity if you were making a large file server or FTP server, but if you arent going to be storing large amounts of files on it, then just a simple 40 gig hard drive would prolly do it.

 

[SupaDupaCheez]

That's exactly why I was looking at getting the Epox 8KTA3...it's low price, RAM slots, flexibility, stability, and don't forget the $100.00 (approx) price tag!!! Also been looking to get into one of the Maxtor 40GB 5400RPM (with 20GB platters) or a 30GB IBM Deskstar for a good price to get me up and running.

When you say 'fast CPU'...what speed would you say is 'fast'? I really don't want to spend big$$$ to get a 1.3G or higher, I'd rather stick to the Duron (read CHEAP) line of AMD. Probably around 800mhz. Should this be adequate for my use?


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