Home Server for a small business

[dogman_1234]

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.

 

[Emerald]

Are you talking about a Windows 7 machine being used as a workstation or standalone, and share files? Are you running Workgroup or Domain?

 

[Dougie Fresh]

I've heard Windows Server 2008 R2 called "Windows 7 Server". Is that what you mean?

 

[dogman_1234]

I think a workstation server. it is not a dedicated server to the public, per se.

 

[Dougie Fresh]

If you don't require homebuilt, one of these might suffice:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=windows+home+server

 

[dogman_1234]

Something more powerful and that has a standard Windows OS.

 

[Emerald]

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0340206

 

[K2N hater]

Servers aren't always about being fast but stable and reliable. In other words, maybe that old P4 is actually better than a cheap brand-new rig.

 

[Emerald]

maybe you should look into network cards and Giga switches

 

[dogman_1234]

Hmm...okay. I'll talk to him about it.

 

[Emerald]

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.

 

[dogman_1234]

He would want a new HDD. His is about 5000-6000 RPM. He wants to go to 7200-8000 RPM.

 

[Jester2109]

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