Need hardware suggestions for Network Server

[jaynan1]

I need some practical suggestions for components for a Network server, mb,case etc. I am building a network server and 3 work stations for a local business.I have built several home computers,but this is a big step up.Can anyone give me some websights with good resources.Or maybe can help me yourself.Some plans for a server would be great

[Glynn R Harris]

Jaynan1;
I can't really give you any hints, as I don't know the requirements of your business.

There are a few considerations:

1. What software is the business using for its "workstations"? Is it standalone or does it load/run from the server?

2. Is the business using off-the-shelf software, or custom, or trying to develop its own?

3. Is Linux (cheap, reliable, customization-friendly) going to suit you or is Windows NT/2K (user-friendly, setup-friendly, appications-rich) going to be what you need? Or does the business already have a server or Network using say, Novell?

4. Is there any chance that you'll go from three workstations to say, 12, with this server?

5. Is there any requirements having a basic need for high speed or bandwidth (delivery of video, for example, or sharing one internet connection with all users)?

6. Is the layout of your network one where all computers are within the same office, or is one or two of them going to be at another location, or is it all distant offices tying in to a central location?

7. Is the data you'll be working with something that comes from within the network, or are you sending, say, stock ticker info and data searches out from the server?

8. Is the internal data you will be saving onsite large or medium or small? (large=>250M/month, medium=30M-250M/month, small=<30M/month)

9. Will you have any need for fault-tolerant or "no downtime" computing?

10. Will you be serving web pages and info to the public (will you be allowing others to connect from their ISP to you?)

Anyway, others with more net savvy will be able to advise.

[JimCotter]

Well. If you want to get a guide have a look at Joey high end Server @
http://www.joeycomputers.com/products/systems/server.htm

You could sort of work from that.

JimC