How to create a server to store files
Francis D'saJun 16, 2011 14:33:01 IST Show Every office that generates large amounts of data needs a file server so that users can access it all from a central location. The sole purpose of a file server is to provide the users on the network with files. Additionally, file servers can also provide data to other users over the internet via a website or FTP service. A file server is nothing but a simple computer with ample storage space, running a server operating system and configured with data backup or synchronizing software. The hardware is usually designed using special purpose processors, RAM, motherboards, hard drives, power supply units and cabinets so the server is able to be powered on 24x7. So they have to be rugged and efficiently cooled too. The main component of a server is the storage space, but using a single spacious hard drive will not serve the purpose. The drives should also be highly efficient in terms of speed, should have a large volume, and last but not the least, they should be secure enough to keep your data safe. Hence, they are usually configured in RAID, where multiple hard drives are deployed to ensure speed and safety during data transfers. Hard drives can be configured in RAID using different modes— RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 or 01. While RAID 0 is considered the fastest as it uses the data striping feature, RAID 1 is the safest as it uses data mirroring. but both have their advantages and disadvantages. RAID 5, 10 and 01 are combinations, which uses both striping and mirroring to form fast and safe storage. We will show you how to configure a simple file server which uses RAID 0 or RAID 1 using two SATA hard drives and an old computer. You can also use multiple hard drives to form a RAID 5, 10 or 01 volume. Note: To create a RAID volume, the hard drives must be of the same type, speed and capacity, otherwise the one with the lesser of these features will bring down the efficiency of the entire group. A file server is usually untouched, except for maintenance such as application installation, user configuration or fixing breakdowns. You can build your own server and leave it behind a desk, in a loft or hidden inside a cabinet, but the place it's set up in should be spacious, well ventilated and easily accessible for maintenance. The monitor, keyboard and mouse can be disconnected until required. Requirements Any old
desktop computer. A Pentium 4 or higher is preferable. An operating system. A server edition is highly recommended if there are many users accessing it. Let’s begin. Open and clean the old computer thoroughly and ensure a dust-free interior for efficient cooling. Install a PCI SATA RAID card into a vacant PCI expansion slot and screw it in place, unless your motherboard features an onboard RAID controller. Install the two (or more) hard drives in the respective bays and connect the necessary cables (data and power). Confirm that all cables are neatly tied and tucked away from the cooling fans and ducts to ensure proper air circulation. Once done, your hardware is ready to become a server. Now is the time to install the operating system, but before this, you will need to configure the hard drives in RAID. If your motherboard features RAID, then simply go to the BIOS setup and configure the two hard drives in RAID 0 or 1 and exit. If you are using a PCI RAID card, then you will have to press the necessary keys displayed on the screen while the system is starting up to enter the card’s BIOS. Here again, configure the hard drives in RAID and save the settings. You’re finally done configuring the hardware. If you want a secure storage system, use the RAID 1 configuration, and if speed is the requirement, go for RAID 0. Note: Hard drives in RAID 0 will allow the total combined capacity to be used while RAID 1 offers half the combined storage space. For Example: RAID 0: 80 GB + 80 GB = 160 GB and RAID 1: 80 GB + 80 GB = 80 GB. Your file server is now finally ready to be configured. Once the OS is installed, make sure you have installed all the drivers and created all the users and their profiles as per the requirement of your network. Copy your data to the storage drives and share the respective folders with appropriate user rights. That’s it! Your file server is ready to be deployed. Just connect the server to the network after configuring the network card and then disconnect the monitor, keyboard and mouse. Now that your server is on duty, there are some things that you should also consider. Use a UPS to avoid data loss during power failures, install an exhaust fan in case you are keeping it in an enclosed area, install an antivirus software for additional security, install and keep running a password protected virtual networking software so that you can access the server from another computer on the network instead of connecting a monitor and input device and operating the server. Additionally, we also recommend a few changes to your server hardware. Since you are using an older computer, replacing the power supply unit would be a good idea as this component might fail when used 24x7. Additionally, to lower the noise of multiple hard drives spinning inside the cabinet, design some foam or rubber sleeves for the hard drives to dampen the vibrations. Finally, use the power saving and/or WOL feature of the motherboard to power down the hard drives or system when the server is not being used. This will not only save power, but will also prolong the life of the server’s hardware. Your file server is finally ready for action. Let it serve you better Media server: Install a media server application and store your complete collection of audio and video files on the server and stream them to all the computers or handheld gadgets from a centrally
located location. Examples: iTunes, IceCast, Unreal. Printer server: Install printer(s) on the file server and share them across the network. You don’t need to worry about the printers connected to client machines on the network being shut down. All your printers can be in one
location at home or office. Security monitor: Using a video security monitoring software, your file server can also act as a surveillance unit by recording video feeds from webcams and IP cameras. Example: WebcamXP, SmarterGuard Basic. Find latest and upcoming tech gadgets online on Tech2 Gadgets. Get technology news, gadgets reviews & ratings. Popular gadgets including laptop, tablet and mobile specifications, features, prices, comparison. Can you store files on a server?A folder is created on the server to hold the files and that folder is shared so that the other computers in the office can access the files. File servers provide a central location to store all of your business files so that multiple users can easily work with the same documents, spreadsheets and other data.
What type of server that can store files?A file server is a computer responsible for the storage and management of data files so that other computers on the same network can access the files.
How can I create my own data server?How to Create Your Own Server at Home for Web Hosting. Choose Your Hardware. ... . Choose Your Operating System: Linux or Windows? ... . Is Your Connection Suited for Hosting? ... . Set up and Configure Your Server. ... . Set up Your Domain Name and Check It Works. ... . Know How to Create Your Own Server at Home for Web Hosting the Right Way.. What is a storage server?Storage Severs are used to store the data and applications of an organisation. They serve as store houses for data and applications repositories. The storage servers may be in situ or ex situ, i.e. they may be located inside the network premises of the organisation or may be maintained virtually in a cloud network.
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