Thoughts: UUsing a shuttle XPC as a server for business/office

[mmx]

We have an office with less than 5 person working at one time. Mostly accounting. I want to get the smallest system, and the least hot to be put away in the closet.

We currently have a compq p3 700mhz compaq server with 4 gig HD.

In terms of performace I know it will be alright if I get the new core 2 with raid 1 750gig seagate.

I'm asking about reliability, do you think having such a small it willl last a few years? The current server has 5 years running.

Of course I'll install server 2003, and etc... It will act as our print server, DHCP, active directory, and etc...

 

[Ayah]

Personally, I would suggest you go with a Pentium M/Dothan based shuttle.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Shuttles are cute but not known for excellent cooling or high reliability. It can also be a pain to replace parts since everything is proprietary and in a cramped little cube.

If you do this definitely buy a second unit of the same model to use as a cold spare, since Shuttle does not offer next-day replacement.

For cooling and reliability I'd go with either a standard midtower like a Sonata II or SLK3000 (room for RAID-1 mirroring then too) or a Dell with long-term warranty.

If you build it yourself you might want to buy 2 of the motherboard so server 2003 doesn't need to be repaired/reinstalled if the first motherboard dies.

Also have a good imaging strategy, such as another drive in an external enclosure and a copy of Acronis True Image.

 

[mleonard]

I'm not sure how dependant you are on active directory, but with 5 users is it really neccessary?

Maybe instead consider a stand alone file server such as the Buffalo 640GB TerraStation. It's basically just 4 hard drives that you can set up for RAID 0, 1, OR 5 and plug into your Gb network. With RAID and no Server OS hassles, it is reliable, simple, and fault tollerant. I can't remember, but I think it has user and group permissions too. As for your DHCP and print servers, a router will take care of the DHCP and you should find one with a print server. Make that a Gb router and your users will have quick access to the data.

The Buffalo file server may be a little pricey, but there are other manufactures and models with similiar products.