Setting up a Server

I wanted advice on setting up a server to host games on a T1 connection that I will be given access to in a couple months. What OS should I use? I'm thinking probably Linux but which one is the best performance as a server. For setting up the hardware I have an 800mhz socket A athlon thunderbird that I was going to purchase a new mobo for what do you suggest? Or should I look into different CPU's do i need more mhz or is 800mhz good for say a 20 person Counter-strike server...How much ram should I buy i'm thinking around 512mb could I get away with less? Also if anyone has info on setting up RAID configurations because I basically don't know anything about it other than I think it would be useful such as what controllers to buy and where I can find cheap setups? Any other suggestions like cases and how I can economically set this up would be very helpful, also if anyone knows where I can score some info on operating linux. I know I'm amateurish to all this and maybe its over my head but please just give me suggestions I can learn as I go. Any information or things you think I should have for this server please tell me.

Oh crap, I'm such a softy... I just can't stand to hear the cries of the befuddled coming to me out of the dark expanse of the net. I must answer. So here are a few answers before I go:

Unless you are familiar with Linux or have lots of time to learn before you want to have your server done, then I would recommend -as much as I hate to say it- that you use NT Server 4 with the latest service pack or Windows 2000 Server (e.g. NT Server 5).

512meg should be good. I personally like Micron memory. You can get 256meg of ECC (you need ECC) SDRAM with CAS=2 and 7.5 and 133Mhz for about $100 US dollars right now (great deal). So get 2. Depending on what kind of Motherboard you get you might want to go for DDR SDRAM. But you probably want stability and cheapness instead of the bleeding edge (though the DRR RAM alone is not that much). I like a good stable motherboard like the Asus boards. You could then buy an Adaptec SCSI card if your motherboard doesn't come with one.

There are lots of people who have more experience with setting up the Athlon motherboards than me so I hope that they read this and give you some sensible advice also.

Bye for now.


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Alrighty yeah I fell behind checking my posts but I'm back, thanx for the input I'm gonna be buying the stuff within the next 2 months. For now though I'm trying to get it working on my current network which is a LAN with a Dlink DI-701 residential gateway/router for my cable internet connection. I'm running into some problems, how do I set it up so i can set my local Red Hat Linux to have the router set it up automatically using its DHCP the router/gateway local address is 192.168.0.1 and it automatically distributes IP's but what do i need to create edit or do to get my internet connection working on my dual-boot Linux system that I'm using right now in Win98 mode??

Hey sweet at least you have Linux connections I'm just trying to feel my way through the internet to learn all this stuff. That'd be cool if you got me the info from your friend. Basically I just want to learn how to use my Dlink DI-701 router to work with my Red Hat Linux so I can use the internet then download my games dedicated server program then just run it and see how it works, I want to learn linux but as of right now I just want enough information as to how to get my router working I'm pretty sure it has DHCP because it automatically sets IP addresses in Win98 and I think thats what DHCP is...all I could find in my Linux book was how to make my Linux a DHCP server not how to use it...

OK, I've heard back from my friend. This is what he has to say:
quote:

"Sounds good! Give me some time. I am running out the door right now, but I know how to fix this.."

end quote

I will post my friend's response as soon as he gets back to me. It shouldn't take him too long.



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OK, I've heard back from my friend. Here are his answers:


quote:

[Q]
"I wanted advice on setting up a server to host games on a T1 connection that I will be given access to in a couple months. What OS should I use?"

[Answer]
----It depends on what kind of server you want to set up.. if it is a game server I suggest Windows 2000 Server, if it is anything else I would say Linux, or any of the BSD family. And the reason for Running a game server on Win2k is that most all games are Coded' on Microsoft products, and or Coded' For Microsoft products.. They just run better on the evil empires stuff..

[Q]
"I'm thinking probably Linux but which one is the best performance as a server. For setting up the hardware I have an 800mhz socket A Athlon thunderbird that I was going to purchase a new mobo for what do you suggest?"

[Answer]
-----Well is it the athlon or the thunderbird? if it is the Athlon stay with what you have! Otherwise if it is the Thunderbird go with the Socket-A Asus A7M266 DDR ATX MB... and get DDR memory to go with it, actually you have to get DDR memory with that board it is all that will work.

[Q]
"Or should I look into different CPU's do I need more Mhz or is 800mhz good for say a 20 person Counter-strike server...How much ram should I buy I’m thinking around 512mb could I get away with less?"

[Answer]
----An 800 MHZ Proc is plenty, and 512MB of RAM is perfect

[Q]
"Also if anyone has info on setting up RAID configurations because I basically don't know anything about it other than I think it would be useful such as what controllers to buy and where I can find cheap setups?"

[Answer]
---- Well for a game server you really don't need RAID. RAID is more for mission critical servers that absolutely need there data backed up live. So unless you are going to offer a service where customers data could be lost, I don't suggest RAID.

[Q]
"Any other suggestions like cases and how I can economically set this up would be very helpful, also if anyone knows where I can score some info on operating Linux. I know I'm amateurish to all this and maybe its over my head but please just give me suggestions I can learn as I go. Any information or things you think I should have for this server please tell me."

[Answer]
---- Go with the cheaper cases, and upgrade the power supply to at least 300WATT's, Also get extra fan's for the inside of the case, everywhere there is hole, put a fan.. Other than that you are on track! Go to www.hdnw.com they have pretty good prices and great service..

[Q]
"For now though I'm trying to get it working on my current network which is a LAN with a Dlink DI-701 residential gateway/router for my cable internet connection. I'm running into some problems, how do I set it up so i can set my local Red Hat Linux to have the router set it up automatically using its DHCP the router/gateway local address is 192.168.0.1 and it automatically distributes IP's but what do i need to create edit or do to get my internet connection working on my dual-boot Linux system that I'm using right now in Win98 mode??"

[Answer]
---- Well I am assuming that the DLINK has already been setup and is distributing IP's correctly..(Is the WIN98 box getting online ok?) As for Red hat during the default install you can choose DHCP when configuring your Network Settings.. If you are not getting the Network Setting's, your network card was not detected properly. It is a painless process, one the easiest things you will do with Linux. If the default install does! detect your network card and you chose DHCP and you still can't get online! I would suggest Manually setting an IP for the Linux box and see what happens. There are SO! many things you need to do when setting up a network with a CableModem/FakeRouter..

[Q]
"Basically I just want to learn how to use my Dlink DI-701 router to work with my Red Hat Linux so I can use the internet then download my games dedicated server program then just run it and see how it works, I want to learn Linux but as of right now I just want enough information as to how to get my router working I'm pretty sure it has DHCP because it automatically sets IP addresses in Win98 and I think that’s what DHCP is...all I could find in my Linux book was how to make my Linux a DHCP server not how to use it..."


---- Hopefully this answers your questions, if you have anymore feel free to write me again! ;-) -Matt Melby

end quote





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You are VERY welcome! My friend loves answering questions like that.

About XP:

Do NOT use XP! Barf, Barf, Gag! Read <A HREF="http://forumz.tomshardware.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=faq¬found=1&code=1" target="_new">this if you want to know more</A> about it! Sorry to be so passionate, but XP sounds like hell on Earth to use.

<i>Definately</i> go with W2K Server!

- Take care, and if you have any more questions just let me know. -Fa1c0n


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Yeah, LOL,

We <i>will</i> see how XP does, and M$ has done some good stuff, some... But as far as the rest... If history is any guide, then we will get more of the same from Microshaft.

Glad to hear that you are pro open-source! There are some things that just shouldn't be controlled by any one company/person. Especially when it comes to something as vital as your OS.

Have a great time setting up your server. Should be a lot of fun, and you'll learn a lot!


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