Sean Needham Posted January 23, 2008 Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 I'm pretty new in to the world of server technologies, for business use and frankly, the catalogues, brochures and publications that I have looked at scare the s*** out of me. My main problem is, I've been asked to set up a 'cheap' Windows based server to provide file sharing and print services for a 10 user company. Any ideas on a good machine that won't break the bank, and also will provide reliable service for about 5 - 7 years before looking for a replacement? I was going to recommend a workstation/server hybrid, but after finding some security holes in the network (namely the owners son, thinking that the systems are there for his own personal play things!) I have decided to go down a different route and implement a stand alone system, to only be accessed by authorised users.What I am looking for is some recommendations on a good, entry level system that doesn't need too much work on setting up, and maintaining, and will provide good value for money over its life span.Any ideas on a system will be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wickedadmin Posted January 23, 2008 Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 I'm currently looking at Dell Servers. They have some entry level servers which look pretty good. I'm basically looking for the same thing. A server for file and print sharing as well as possibly host a website. The only differece is that I'm looking to add VMware to mine. Haven't decided yet.But take a look at dell. Plus you can customize it and it will show you the cost as you do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamB Posted February 4, 2008 Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 Have a look on insight website.HP usually do some good deals...recently they were giving rebates on Windows SBS which was pretty good.If it is to last 5 years - I wouldn't cheap out on it too much though.Make sure it has a RAID array and a backup drive.If the boss's kids are too much of an annoyance consider getting a rack mounted one..That way it wont have a monitor, can only be administered remotely and can be locked away from those sticky little fingers. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Needham Posted February 6, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2008 I am more swayed by Dell machines, because of the support for them in the region where I am based; and after talking it through with the head of the company, it is possible that the server will be in a secured room anyway.Also, with rolling out the new server, the security system on the other systems is going to be boosted up a touch as well. Case in point, after clearing out one of the machines from crap the other day, I went in and had a look after the weekend and found a certain son had downloaded a lot of illegal files (along with associated viruses, spyware and god knows what!!!). This was about three hours before an ISO inspection. (Certain son is 21 years old, and has computer/broadband at home... So I think it is going to be a large uphill struggle!)The Raid system is a done deal because of the data transfer bandwidth, and also the possibility to mirror the system drives; and I think that the security copies are going to be held on a machine off site using a VPN tunnel.As for other things, I am still waiting to see what the end budget I have to play with is going to be... So that is still the biggest deciding factor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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