Small business server HELP!

[nike12000]

Hey guys I need a little help, My dad has a small business and I need to build a small server. Right now he has 2 desktops and 1 laptop and they are all networked and run the billing software off of 1 of the desktops with 2 hds in a raid and thats it, no other back up and the laptop and other desktop just access the "main pc" and write to the biller. What i'm looking for is a simple server that will have a little redundancy. I need a simple server that will host the biller and all the other pcs can then access and write to. Server will not do anything really other then the biller and host printers and fax ect... I need some help/recommendations on hardware. It doesn't need to be high power and in fact a low power system as it will run 24/7 would be cool, I want solid components tho as  this is the backbone of his business. There is a budget to some degree so cant be data center quality stuff... I don't need tb's of space as again its only biller info so 1 tb is plenty however a raid or back up solution is almost a must. Any questions or suggestions I would really appreciate the help! Reliability is key bottom line. 

 

Thanks guys!

[Elliott Game]

will a NAS just do the job?

[Vitalius]

If reliability is key, I recommend something along this line:

• ASRock C2550D4I - Intel Avoton CPU with 4 cores @ $270. The CPU is embedded in the motherboard. The SATA ports might be overkill, but the Avoton CPU is very power efficient while performing well.  
• Kingston 4GB ECC ValueRAM DIMMs - 4GB of ECC RAM for $45. However many you think you'd need (one would be fine, I think).
• Silverstone SG06BB M-ITX Case - I just picked the cheapest one with the best rating. $49+$8 for shipping. Compact.
• Silverstone Strider Gold 450w SFX PSU - This will fit the above case or any other Small Form Factor case @ $100. Gold rating means fairly high quality.
• WD RE3 1TB HDDs - RE3 because they are enterprise grade drives, but be sure to buy new @ $48.

Since you will only have a small amount of data to store, I recommend RAID 1 over more complex RAID arrays (Parity RAIDs like 5, 6, or 7). Simply because it's simple to deal with.

Total price of the above parts assuming 1 of everything: $410 without tax.

 

If you want to cut corners, you don't *need* a lot of this, but you want stability and that is what these suggestions are for. 

[nike12000]

I need a full windows os so I don't think so

[Termiux]

I cannot give much help with the server hardware as I've only worked with enterprises level servers, but I will mention a few things.

 

I have worked as Server Administrator for small business and internatonal corporations so here is some real life advice, this list is by no means complete but should help you get started

 

Check out some small bussiness servers from a known manufacturer. Dell makes servers for small businesses which are indeed servers, not PC's made up as servers, they are designed to be failure resistant, have redudnacy and hot plug mechanisms for the parts, they have monitoring software that let you know of problems, errors, warnings, etc (as long as you configure it properly) take some time with the documentation afterwards, you will discover this has many functions you weren't aware of.

 

 

 

Revise your set up configuration.

 

• The server is all well but  is not nearly enough even if you use raid (if information is critical use raid 1+0 not raid 5 look it up).
• A side from using raid create routine BACKUPS, and NO Raid is not a replacement for proper back ups. What is the data gets corrupted, if someone deletes something by mistake, Raid WILL NOT protect you from that.
• Make sure you have an UPS to keep your server running in the event of power failure. You can find some small ones for <$200. I recomend APC specially for their monitoring software. The point is not to keep on working when electricity goes out but to have to time turn off your server properly and avoid data corruption (the OS, your software, etc) also DO NOT forget to connect it to ground!
• Set up monitoring to your server, from within your network or external a service that pings your server or something similar.
• Spend some time learning how to protect your server (which ever SO you will be running) at least the basic steps.
• Keep SECURE PASSWORDS, and I mean SECURE, your server admin passwords should be stupidly big. Use a software to store them and generate them I use KeePass it encrypts them. Your passwords should be better than this=> 5Qnp%5VLY1jSsu8N#    do not neglect this step and specially dont use common words I've seen many server compromised by the use of lame passwords.
• Finally keep off site back ups. This may seem ridiculus but is useful and if you ever need them you'll thank me. Just take some of your regular back ups (which you should be doing at least weekly) save it to a external drive or DVD or something and take it home (or somewhere else physically separted form the server location).

 

PM if you need some more help

[Vitalius]

I need a full windows os so I don't think so

You did not quote me or anyone else. Is this directed at me? Or the NAS guy?

That motherboards works fine with Windows Server OS'. In fact, Windows Server 2008 is listed in it's compatible OS section in the manual.

[brob]

I am not a big fan of using RAID where it is not really needed as in my experience the cost of maintaining the array exceeds any benefit. That said, I understand that there are consumers who wrongly believe it provides a significant degree of protection. I don't bother trying to change their mind. After all it is their money being spent.

 

In addition to adding the server hardware, a good backup package like Acronis should be added. It should be configured to automatically backup the primary data on the server's RAID 1 array to the workstation that is currently hosting the data. If necessary, add more/larger hdd to that workstation. Some sort of off-site backup would also be a good idea. If the data set is small enough perhaps a DVD or BluRay.

 

I have not included an o/s. One could easily use Windows 8.1 Standard. Professional would be better. One might even contemplate the expensive of installing Windows Server. It does offer much better security.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($179.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus H97M-E/CSM Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($92.99 @ Directron)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($63.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($145.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($145.00 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($73.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Monitor: LG 22M35D 60Hz 22.0" Monitor  ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Microsoft 2LF-00001 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse  ($19.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $860.93
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-21 12:33 EST-0500

[nike12000]

You did not quote me or anyone else. Is this directed at me? Or the NAS guy?

That motherboards works fine with Windows Server OS'. In fact, Windows Server 2008 is listed in it's compatible OS section in the manual.

was for nas

[nike12000]

Thank you guys for the info and pc suggestions so far, I have about 2-3 weeks till the construction in his new office is done and then I will be ordering and building parts as we are implementing the server set up while things are getting moved and disrupted anyways. I didnt mention the ups in my original post but I had planned to get one as well so thanks for the reminder tho! is there any benefit going with a WD red vs black? 

[nike12000]

I am not a big fan of using RAID where it is not really needed as in my experience the cost of maintaining the array exceeds any benefit. That said, I understand that there are consumers who wrongly believe it provides a significant degree of protection. I don't bother trying to change their mind. After all it is their money being spent.

 

In addition to adding the server hardware, a good backup package like Acronis should be added. It should be configured to automatically backup the primary data on the server's RAID 1 array to the workstation that is currently hosting the data. If necessary, add more/larger hdd to that workstation. Some sort of off-site backup would also be a good idea. If the data set is small enough perhaps a DVD or BluRay.

 

I have not included an o/s. One could easily use Windows 8.1 Standard. Professional would be better. One might even contemplate the expensive of installing Windows Server. It does offer much better security.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($179.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Motherboard: Asus H97M-E/CSM Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($92.99 @ Directron)

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($63.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($145.00 @ Amazon)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($145.00 @ Amazon)

Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($39.99 @ NCIX US)

Power Supply: SeaSonic 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($73.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Monitor: LG 22M35D 60Hz 22.0" Monitor  ($99.99 @ NCIX US)

Keyboard: Microsoft 2LF-00001 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse  ($19.99 @ Amazon)

Total: $860.93

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-21 12:33 EST-0500

 

thanks much! the acronis is  good thought I'm really pushing him for off site back up of some sort but when it comes to computers hes about 3 steps away from needing a tin foil had when it comes to sending data out over the internet will prob be all in house to start.... I will keep on him tho as I know the risk he runs not doing it..

[nike12000]

If reliability is key, I recommend something along this line:

• ASRock C2550D4I - Intel Avoton CPU with 4 cores @ $270. The CPU is embedded in the motherboard. The SATA ports might be overkill, but the Avoton CPU is very power efficient while performing well.  
• Kingston 4GB ECC ValueRAM DIMMs - 4GB of ECC RAM for $45. However many you think you'd need (one would be fine, I think).
• Silverstone SG06BB M-ITX Case - I just picked the cheapest one with the best rating. $49+$8 for shipping. Compact.
• Silverstone Strider Gold 450w SFX PSU - This will fit the above case or any other Small Form Factor case @ $100. Gold rating means fairly high quality.
• WD RE3 1TB HDDs - RE3 because they are enterprise grade drives, but be sure to buy new @ $48.

Since you will only have a small amount of data to store, I recommend RAID 1 over more complex RAID arrays (Parity RAIDs like 5, 6, or 7). Simply because it's simple to deal with.

Total price of the above parts assuming 1 of everything: $410 without tax.

 

If you want to cut corners, you don't *need* a lot of this, but you want stability and that is what these suggestions are for. 

no this was a great help so far to try and get some ideas and build combos thank you very much!

[nike12000]

 

I am not a big fan of using RAID where it is not really needed as in my experience the cost of maintaining the array exceeds any benefit. That said, I understand that there are consumers who wrongly believe it provides a significant degree of protection. I don't bother trying to change their mind. After all it is their money being spent.

 

In addition to adding the server hardware, a good backup package like Acronis should be added. It should be configured to automatically backup the primary data on the server's RAID 1 array to the workstation that is currently hosting the data. If necessary, add more/larger hdd to that workstation. Some sort of off-site backup would also be a good idea. If the data set is small enough perhaps a DVD or BluRay.

 

I have not included an o/s. One could easily use Windows 8.1 Standard. Professional would be better. One might even contemplate the expensive of installing Windows Server. It does offer much better security.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($179.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Motherboard: Asus H97M-E/CSM Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($92.99 @ Directron)

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($63.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($145.00 @ Amazon)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($145.00 @ Amazon)

Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($39.99 @ NCIX US)

Power Supply: SeaSonic 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($73.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Monitor: LG 22M35D 60Hz 22.0" Monitor  ($99.99 @ NCIX US)

Keyboard: Microsoft 2LF-00001 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse  ($19.99 @ Amazon)

Total: $860.93

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-21 12:33 EST-0500

 

thanks much! the acronis is  good thought I'm really pushing him for off site back up of some sort but when it comes to computers hes about 3 steps away from needing a tin foil had when it comes to sending data out over the internet will prob be all in house to start.... I will keep on him tho as I know the risk he runs not doing it..

 

maybe im just ignorant but how is running raid 1 or 5 or something not going to help as far as data integrity or loss? 

[brob]

maybe im just ignorant but how is running raid 1 or 5 or something not going to help as far as data integrity or loss? 

 

I did not say that RAID 1 or 5 did not provide some protection against data loss. What I said was the cost of maintaining these arrays is rarely worth it. With the large hdd of today, Z97 based implementations of RAID 5 can literally take days to rebuild an array. These arrays also seem to break fairly easily. There are places where RAID makes very good sense. Homes and small offices are generally not in that group.

 

The main point is that RAID does not remove the necessity of good backups. Backups are far more important than RAID and protect against many more threats. In addition to protecting against hdd unit failures, backups also protect against machine failures, theft, catastrophic user error, viruses, fire, flood, etc.

[nike12000]

what do you guys think of this? seem solid http://pcpartpicker.com/p/TMrXZL

[nike12000]

I did not say that RAID 1 or 5 did not provide some protection against data loss. What I said was the cost of maintaining these arrays is rarely worth it. With the large hdd of today, Z97 based implementations of RAID 5 can literally take days to rebuild an array. These arrays also seem to break fairly easily. There are places where RAID makes very good sense. Homes and small offices are generally not in that group.

 

The main point is that RAID does not remove the necessity of good backups. Backups are far more important than RAID and protect against many more threats. In addition to protecting against hdd unit failures, backups also protect against machine failures, theft, catastrophic user error, viruses, fire, flood, ect

 

right i could not agree more about theft user error fire flood ect. hence the push for off site backup also , my thinking was that since this was going to be a 24/7 running machine and reliability are of utmost, raid 1 seemed an easy and safer way to go vs just 1 hdd in the event of a hdd failure... i refer you to my post above about having issues getting him to let me do offsite back up tho.. I have been given free run inside the walls of the office kinda deal so trying to make the most of what I can do currently. MY other issue is they are TERRIBLE and not a little like off the chart terrible at doing back ups themselves... I was in the office today working on some stuff today, and he showed me his external drive and he had done some back ups most recent was 2011!!!! So on that note can you recommend any backup programs I can set up to run that will be pretty must autonomous on their side? Also needs to be able to back up to the network. Some of the free or cheap backup programs I found with do it auto but will only do it to that machine not else where in the network.

 

Thanks again for all the help so far I knew you guys would come though for me!  

[brob]

 

right i could not agree more about theft user error fire flood ect. hence the push for off site backup also , my thinking was that since this was going to be a 24/7 running machine and reliability are of utmost, raid 1 seemed an easy and safer way to go vs just 1 hdd in the event of a hdd failure... i refer you to my post above about having issues getting him to let me do offsite back up tho.. I have been given free run inside the walls of the office kinda deal so trying to make the most of what I can do currently. MY other issue is they are TERRIBLE and not a little like off the chart terrible at doing back ups themselves... I was in the office today working on some stuff today, and he showed me his external drive and he had done some back ups most recent was 2011!!!! So on that note can you recommend any backup programs I can set up to run that will be pretty must autonomous on their side? Also needs to be able to back up to the network. Some of the free or cheap backup programs I found with do it auto but will only do it to that machine not else where in the network.

 

Thanks again for all the help so far I knew you guys would come though for me!  

 

I have used AcronisTrue Image for years and find it reliable with all the features I need. There are a number of different versions and it is widely sold, so one has to shop around. The 3 pc unlimited version is available direct for about US$170. This includes unlimited (fair usage policy) cloud backup for 1 year.

 

What I like about Acronis is that I can have each machine automatically backup to another machine(s) on its own schedule. Someone can be notified by email when it is done, (or only if there is an error). Backups can be complete, incremental, or differential. Backup cycles can be defined and one has a fair degree of flexibility in controlling how much space will be used on the target machine. This means that once everything is configured, aside from a couple manual tests a year to verify correct operation, backups are completely automated.

 

Acronis also offers integrated cloud backup. Licenses usually include a one year rental. One can then, of course, continue to rent space in future years. Or more likely simply upgrade to the newest release to get another year included. I don't use cloud backup except for small data sets, (in the order a 1 - 40 MB), that are very important. Larger dataset simply take far too long to backup and consume a lot of bandwidth doing so.

 

I have tried other backup products and found that many of them simply lacked necessary features like backup storage management or email notification.

 

There are other good backup packages available. Others may wish to chime in with their preferences.

[nike12000]

I have used AcronisTrue Image for years and find it reliable with all the features I need. There are a number of different versions and it is widely sold, so one has to shop around. The 3 pc unlimited version is available direct for about US$170. This includes unlimited (fair usage policy) cloud backup for 1 year.

 

What I like about Acronis is that I can have each machine automatically backup to another machine(s) on its own schedule. Someone can be notified by email when it is done, (or only if there is an error). Backups can be complete, incremental, or differential. Backup cycles can be defined and one has a fair degree of flexibility in controlling how much space will be used on the target machine. This means that once everything is configured, aside from a couple manual tests a year to verify correct operation, backups are completely automated.

 

Acronis also offers integrated cloud backup. Licenses usually include a one year rental. One can then, of course, continue to rent space in future years. Or more likely simply upgrade to the newest release to get another year included. I don't use cloud backup except for small data sets, (in the order a 1 - 40 MB), that are very important. Larger dataset simply take far too long to backup and consume a lot of bandwidth doing so.

 

I have tried other backup products and found that many of them simply lacked necessary features like backup storage management or email notification.

 

There are other good backup packages available. Others may wish to chime in with their preferences.

Awesome that's exactly the kinda info I was looking for thanks much!