whats best for simple server

[JCROCCO]

Have a simple 6 computer PTP NT4.0 now, works fine. Would like to change all over to XP-Pro. Considering a server. No real need I guess. I use a Snap Server now (just a remote HD via ethernet) just to store all files, and ease of backing up. Server lends to us the possibility of sharing addressbooks, etc as well as multi-HD capabilities.

ANy good specs for one, would like to build it with RAID capabilities. Does it need to be the BEST/fastest processor, HIGH memory?

I kind remember that a server doesnt need to be highend fast.lots of memory.

Any good advice out their, and advice on raid HD and backup systems?

Thanks

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Originally posted by: JCROCCO
Have a simple 6 computer PTP NT4.0 now, works fine. Would like to change all over to XP-Pro. Considering a server. No real need I guess. I use a Snap Server now (just a remote HD via ethernet) just to store all files, and ease of backing up. Server lends to us the possibility of sharing addressbooks, etc as well as multi-HD capabilities. ANy good specs for one, would like to build it with RAID capabilities. Does it need to be the BEST/fastest processor, HIGH memory? I kind remember that a server doesnt need to be highend fast.lots of memory. Any good advice out their, and advice on raid HD and backup systems? Thanks

Truthfully, unless there's a screaming reason for RAID, I'd just go with decent hard disks and keep good backups. Frequently, tinker with low cost RAID solutions results in more lost data than just using a plain hard disk. FWIW, there is no XP-Pro "server", so if you want a true server O/S, you'll have to go with W2K server or W2003 Server.

 

[JCROCCO]

So, is XP PRO (which replaces Winnt) just a ptp network?

dont want to go 2003. any other choices, or is ptp good enough?

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

XP-Pro will work fine in a peer-to-peer network, as long as you don't exceed 10 connections.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: JCROCCO
I kind remember that a server doesnt need to be highend fast.lots of memory.

Yeah that is True concerning "Storage Computer" (whick is what P2P Server usually is).

The Rule of thumb is: "If you Do Not Know the Difference between p2p Storage Computer, and a Real Server you do not need a Real Server".

 

[JCROCCO]

OK, but gotta ask WHY for 10? If more than 10 what problems?

 

[JCROCCO]

Yes, just using a storage server now, and works fine. Drawback of PTP is not being able to use server based software and its advantages like shared phonebooks for Outlook, shared calender planners, etc.

Is there other software maybe better suited for a PTP network that allows multi-users and has thosde capabilities.

Another is backups. problem is our backup systems always work good for about a year, then we have problems. Get another backup system, then have problems. Continuous cycle. Maybe need a better backup program that works great and reliable. BTW using Onstream Echo Backup 30 gig tapes now.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Originally posted by: JCROCCO
OK, but gotta ask WHY for 10? If more than 10 what problems?

2K-Pro and XP-Pro have a limit of 10 client connections. You can't establish more connections to the machine, and there is no over-ride to fix the problem. Obviously, a server is only limited to the number of client licenses you buy...

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Originally posted by: JCROCCO
Yes, just using a storage server now, and works fine. Drawback of PTP is not being able to use server based software and its advantages like shared phonebooks for Outlook, shared calender planners, etc. Is there other software maybe better suited for a PTP network that allows multi-users and has thosde capabilities. Another is backups. problem is our backup systems always work good for about a year, then we have problems. Get another backup system, then have problems. Continuous cycle. Maybe need a better backup program that works great and reliable. BTW using Onstream Echo Backup 30 gig tapes now.

Depending on how much data you have, and how deep your backups are saved, USB disks offer an attractive alternative for some folks. I have several clients that have a bunch of 120gig USB 2.0 disks that they use for backup, each morning they put a new disk onto the server, and overnight the backup writes to the new disk. They take the current backup off-site when they leave, thus having a complete image in case of disaster. Both of those clients also use DVD's for long term permanent storage of archived data. They both used to use tapes, it just got to be a hassle. One nice thing about USB disks and DVD's, they're readable on almost any machine, not like tapes from a specific backup package...

 

[JackMDS]

You can put as many Computers as you want with WinXP.

The Network will work.

However each Computer can Not Deal with more than 10 computers at the same Time.

I.e., No more than 10 computers can request Network Interchange with one specific computer at same precise time. Which is not the case in most p2p settings.

 

[JCROCCO]

great, thanks for clearing that up