In the computing world there are two types of computers,
Workstations and
Servers.
What is the definition of a server? Well the official definitions such as 2003
Server is: A computer that serves files, applications, and data and more to
multiple computers called clients.
What is the definition of a workstation (or client) such as XP: A workstation is a computer
that modifies data, be it a spread sheet, a text file, a database, a movie, a
graphic, surfing the web, or playing a game.
There are different types of servers, data base servers, file storage
servers, print servers, Domain Controllers, and web servers to mention a few of the most
common or well know.
Server hardware is normally more robust than a workstation, has more hard
drives, processors, and sometimes more memory and is more expensive. Servers also come in two types,
Towers and Rack mount. You would use a tower when you only need one or two
servers in a fairly small space. You would use rack mount servers when you have
more servers and want them to occupy the smallest space possible. You can put
more than ten rack mount servers in the same space as two tower servers. The
rack mount server chassis is manufactured different than the tower server case,
no frills. I worked in a data center that had over two thousand
servers in a 7000 sq. foot space, rows and rows of servers!
The main difference between a workstation and a server in the Windows world
is how the Operating System is used. Both Windows XP and Windows 2003 Server use
the same underlying engine to operate. The difference comes with how the OS
(Operating System) is configured and the options that are installed. Even though
both XP and 2003 Server come on a different CD or DVD the basics are the same.
When you load a server with 2003 Server you have more steps to complete than you
would with say XP. The reason is that the server OS runs almost all programs as
a service with out user intervention. Whereas XP runs most programs where the
user can interact with them.
A few of the things that you would do when installing a server OS that you
would not do to a workstation is:
Install a 'Static IP' - This allows the server to be at the same IP at
all times.
Install more than one NIC - This allows for what is known as
Teaming, where two or more NIC (Network Interface Card) are set with the same
MAC (Machine Address Code) and IP. Thus increasing the local LAN speed by the
factor of the card's speed and cards. Such as two Identical NIC's running at 100
MBPS would yield 200 MBPS for the server to communicate with other
servers/workstations on the LAN.
Install a RAID configuration
- Redundant
Array of Independent Disks - To do this you require a RAID Controller, once you
have the controller configured you have to setup the partitions and volumes on
the server. RAID controllers also come with an Accelerator, the accelerator
caches the data for read/write operations making the data transfer faster.
Install any special services that the Server will
preformed - DNS, DHCP, Domain Controller, Web Server, or any of the other
functions the server requires to do it's job.
This article is not meant to be a short cut past the MCSE or the numerous
guides for instilling and configuring a server. It is a series of 'How to's...'
of problems and configurations I have came across in my career that I had to
research to resolve.
How to..
Hardware considerations for a server - Processor, memory, drives, services
This is a short guide not to be construed as a complete working of
server and domain functions. If you need more help it is available with
the help function. There are very comprehensive books available for a complete
run down on how to use Active Directory.
Having a problem? I have answered technical questions at
AllExperts, if you are having a problem
check out the answers there.
Q and A
This site contains a lot of information. As
with any publication not all information is available due to space, time, or
subject constraints.
If you have a question that you did not find the answer
on this web site you a can
ask your question here and we will endeavor to get you the most up to date
answer possible!
