Server Configuration Help

[barmstrong]

I need to configure a server for about 10 concurrent users using medium size database applications and personal file storage and it needs to be a Dell. I don't know how big the databases are but I'm sure they are much smaller than the user thinks. It'll be running Novell. Should it be as low end as possible, running IDE drives and one processor? In such a small environment, would it better just to have a tape backup and no RAID array? Any suggestions on tape drives, should we buy it aftermarket? Can a slower server affect overall network performance, or just files sent to the server? Thanks!

 

[barmstrong]

*bump*

also, does anyone have any suggestions for a tape backup drive? I'm thinking storage will be a single 36 gig SCSI, all they are dealing with is file sharing and access databases. thanks.

 

[blstriker]

For database applications, I would focus on getting fast HD's such as Ultra160. I'm not too familiar with tape backups. For a Dell, take a look at their poweredge 1400sc. It's well priced and has SCSI. It's also dual cpu capable if your network grows even larger.

 

[sml]

I totally agree with blstriker. Go with SCSI drives. The disk intensive nature of a database will grind an IDE drive into the ground. As for backup; I'd recommend setting up the SCSI drive [36GB you had mentioned] in a RAID configuration for disk mirroring to prevent data loss. Get a tape drive that has the capacity to handle a tape larger than your whole drive UNCOMPRESSED, you'll thank me later when you see the tape speed with some of the Novell based backup applications like Backup Exec 🙂 a 40/80GB tape drive and 5-10 tapes should be ample. Make sure to do a complete backup every week, and incrementals every night. Lower or raise that level of paranoia depending on your tastes. Good luck!