Saturday 1 October 2011

Finding out about Computer Servers

By Ade Lewis


Fundamentally, a computer server enables a number of computers to be linked together and share the same data and software programs, a server can also offer data storage, a backup system and extra processing power. The joining between computers and the sharing of information is called a network. Computers are linked into a network either via cables or a wireless router. Numerous regular business tasks are facilitated through servers. These tasks include centralised data management, hardware resources sharing and file sharing. A server also has computer security features as it uses a firewall and guard all of the computers in its network. It can be said that computer servers are one of the most important components inside a business surroundings.

If you are a small business who has to process huge amounts of information and share enormous amounts of information, remotely over the internet, you do not have to have a server. All you require is a single computer, which should be more than ample for your business needs. If, in your daily business performance, you require to share files and data from one computer to another or more, then you should deliberate using a computer server.

A server differs in its application and operating systems to that of a usual PC or Mac, in addition they supply data management, secure application sharing and data back up. With windows based servers, the most regular operating system to use is the Microsoft Small Business Server, which provides your business with everything required to run the business server. Moreover, it has licensing packages which are scalable to fit your requirements. For those of you who are more familiar with an Apple Mac rather than a PC, then for a small business, an iMac Mini with Apple's Snow Leopard server software is a really beneficial selection.

Of note is that server hardware differs from single PC hardware with superior features such as powerful multi-core processors, quicker RAM and much bigger storage capacity with more than one hard disk. Notwithstanding, if your business is a quite small business, a regular PC is enough as a server.

Making sure that your nework is secure to a high standard is exceedingly significant. To do this servers are able to store all unique usernames and passwords in a central user directory so that anyone using any computer in the network can log on and access material. This is available because the server has a central user directory and management facility, which stores this information. This very useful facility lets employees to share computers and desks and still be able to get to all of the material usually only accessed at their own computer. The directory management facility within the server helps you to determine which users have access to which material so that only employees who need to be working with certain files and folders have access to them.

It is important to make sure that the processing power and size of your server is mirror to the needs of your business. Big companies usually need large amounts of storage space and processing power to handle the requirements of the number of users. There are servers on the market for the smaller business but are only slightly more powerful than a usual home computer.

Firstly, prior to jumping-in and buying your first business server, it is preferable to first get some proficient advice from an IT consultant. The advice of an IT consultant will have to be paid for. Nevertheless, they will most likely save your business money over time because they can advise you about the type of operating system and server that suits your needs the best.




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