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Home Server for a small business

Last response: in Systems
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Hello.

I know some people who need a new system server. They have an old HP with a P4( 3.0 GHz) PGA 478. The need a new unit because the one they have is a little slow and has 'old' tech in it. I want to build one for them for Christmas. One of them told me they want to have a Win 7 server, but has no funds for it. I will use this standard to ask for help from you Tom's:



Approximate Purchase Date: Before Christmas day,( or if they buy one.)


Budget Range: 300-550 Dollars


System Usage from Most to Least Important: Server for multiple laptops(2), spreadsheet to keep track of employees, processors, internet.

Parts Not Required: Unnecessary expensive components.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: http://www.newegg.com/


Country of Origin: Good 'ol USA


Parts Preferences: Mid tower ATX chassis...not too cheap and flimsy.


Overclocking: Maybe


SLI or Crossfire: No. Single GPU daughterboard or onboard GPU.


Monitor Resolution: Can't tell you. I did not get the specifics form them. All I know it is above the 1000x1000 pixels.


Additional Comments: Needs top be a fast, good operating home server.
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Homebuilt system Expert

Also check the hard drive space. If you don't have enough space it will slow down the server. Have at least 1GB of free space on the system drive.


I am running a P3 and a Core 2 Duo as a file and print server and don't really see a difference.

To be honest, that old HP P4 would be more than enough to run as a server if you installed Linux on it together with Samba.

There are plenty of guides as to how to do this on the internet.

Alternatively, you could also use that $300-$500 budget on a 'Green' eco-PC system with a large hard disk drive for that money, if you installed Linux (as above) on it. Plus the company would save a bit on electricity !!

If however the company has decided that it must be a Windows Server then I would go with the suggestions above. All depends on what they are happy with and/or whether you would like the challenge of learning, and building, a Linux Server. The Ubuntu Server distro is childs-play to install and configure.

The users would never know they are using a Linux Server if it was installed/configured correctly. It can even be configured to act as a Windows Domain Controller etc
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