New Server

[vanselus]

I need to get a new server for the office. Should I go:

homebuilt (me) or small-shop or pre-assembled (dell)?

raid or tape backup?

server 2003 or linux (which i know very little about)?

[Viper007Bond]

Homebuilt = cheaper, Dell = quicker

I've never like tape, but then again, I've never dealt with tapes in regard to servers. Personally, I'd go raid.

I hear linux is better, but I haven't got a clue about it either.

[SnakEyez]

I would say pre-assembled. It's just easier that way.

As far as backup is concerned. Raid is a lot more efficient but, then again, tape backups aren't too bad. That will have to come down to your personal preference.

With the OS I would have to say that Linux is definitely a better way to go. It's cheaper, more efficient and doesn't require the bi-weekly/monthly updates that Windows servers require. However, you are saying that you are in need of a "new" server. So if you already have a Windows server then just stick with that. I wouldn't trust Windows mixing with another OS.

[Tammy]

Get a good deal on a Dell, it's just easier. Linux rules for the OS.

[-rAz-]

Is RAID <-> Tape mutually exclusive ? Think not

We use both

A Dell or Compaq might be a bit more expensive but its way easier than putting one together yerself.
If yer going for those pizza box kinda servers i would consider trying to put one together on yer own alltho you need time for it so in the long end buying a pre assembled one may be the best way to go

For OS - depends wot yer gonna do with it. Some apps wont run on linux.

[johnb]

RAID vs tape is a cost issue, I'd use both.

I'd also go windows/pre-built, but I'm kinda lazy.

[Fuzzylogic]

Originally posted by vanselus
I need to get a new server for the office. Should I go:

homebuilt (me) or small-shop or pre-assembled (dell)?

Well that depends how important the server is. If it is mission critical I'd say buy a Dell with the 4 hour response time service contract.

If it can be down for a few days, well then it's up to you. Just keep in mind it almost always takes longer to get replacement parts as an individual when you send them in for replacement. Ie Video card goes out, 2 to 3 weeks turn around time, but again you can just buy another video card.



raid or tape backup?

Well there is no such thing as RAID for a backup solution, so I guess that means you'll be using tapes :) You could also use a DVD burner, just depends on how much data you really need to backup.


server 2003 or linux (which i know very little about)?
All depends on what you want to do with it. Though if it is an important server then I would imagine you would want to stick with what you know. It just isn't good to have a server that isn?t' doing its job because you are not familiar with, nor have the time to learn, a different OS.



--

Just one more time since I saw a bit too much of this in the replies...

RAID IS NOT A BACKUP SOLUTION!
It may increase fault-tolerance but RAID IS NOT A BACKUP SOLUTION

[vanselus]

Couldn't you setup a RAID array to duplicate the data onto a removable hd and take that offsite?

But I do understand your point - RAID is for spreading out or duplicating data which protects against disk error but not virus or physical destruction.

Not mission critical - the data is, but the uptime is not.

Good point about the server - I think for now i'll stick with windows. I'd be asking friends for help every 5 minutes.

[fac3less]

Stick with what you know - thats like the people i know telling me to go to freeBSD every 3 freaking minutes.

I understand linux, I undersatnd any other Os i've used - I've never used freeBSD and don't want to learn a new one at this point. In a few weeks when i get to canada, buy a laptop - yeah. my desktop will go dual-booting again. Until then! Windows we have. ugh!

[Fuzzylogic]

Originally posted by vanselus
Couldn't you setup a RAID array to duplicate the data onto a removable hd and take that offsite?


RAID (redundant array of independent disks) can be configured to duplicate data, however, that still wouldn't be a very good backup solution.

You would have to turn off the server whenever you took the other drive with you (well you wouldn't HAVE to.. but anyway not something you want to do) .

Also, what if something happened while the drives were in the server? Fire, or any other number of things. You are toast.

What about a virus? It rips through the drives, you are toast.

There are far too many things that can go wrong.

Now RAID can be fault tolerant, so it is better than nothing. However, it is not a backup solution.

[paolorulez]

homebuilt :)

evaluate new platform AMD64 or Opteron is very good, for server is the Top



ciao

[Tammy]

AMD64 has to be mucho dinero, I haven't even looked at prices for anything like that. Maybe next year I will even start looking at prices for that stuff, way out of my league for now....