Friday, October 7, 2011

What is a Computer Server

By Ian Parfett


Basically, a computer server is technology that joins a number of computers together to share data and software programs. Moreover, a server can extra processing power, supply data storage and a backup system. This sharing of information and link between computers is known as a network, computers can be connected to a network either via cables or via a wireless router. Computer servers help to facilitate a large amount of tasks that arise day-to-day in a business environment, such as file sharing, centralised data management and the sharing of hardware resources, like, printers and fax machines. Every computer inside the network is guarded by a firewall which proffers computer security features via the server. The computer server, it has been noted, is one of the most important factors in the business surroundings.

If you are a small business with simply a single computer then unless you are dealing with very large amounts of information that requires a lot of processing power or you have to share lots of material remotely via the internet then there is no need for you to make use of a server. It could be time for you to deliberate installing a computer server if, during you day-to-day business performance, you require to share files and information between more than one computer.

Usual Macs and PCs vary to a computer server in their operating systems and application. A server has 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 wanted to run the business server. Moreover, it has licensing packages which are scalable to suit your requirements. If you operate a small buisness and are more familiar with Apple Macs than PCs, a very beneficial choice is an iMac Mini running Apple's Snow Leopard server software.

With a very small business, a usual single PC is enough as a server, however, server hardware differs because of features that are enhanced, like, speedier RAM, multi-core processors, very big storage capacity, and more than one hard disk.

To ensure that your network has a high level of security and restricted admission to sensitive information the server has a central user directory and management facility where you can store the individual usernames and passwords of all users, this enables your network users to log into any computer within your business network using their own username and password. Employees are able to to desk-share and still be able to get to the information generally only accessed at their own computer. The directory management facility within the server allows you to decide which users have access to which data so that only the people who need to be working with particular 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. There are servers out there for smaller but they are only a little more powerful than the usual home computer. Big companies repeatedly require large amounts of storage space and processing power to handle the requirements of the number of users.

An expert IT consultant should be your first port of call before jumping-in and buying your first business server. An IT consultant will most likely save you money because as they will be able to suggest to you what type of server and operating system best suits your needs. Even though you will have to pay for this advice.




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