Server for small business

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Milutiche

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Master Geek
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Topic # 60214 22-Apr-2010 08:53

Hi there, my boss is looking to get a new computer to act as a server/master computer for running Quickbooks and other automotive workshop based programs on 4-5 computers.

There is nothing too demanding graphicaly, just using suppliers websites and Quickbooks PC based version.

What kind of spec PC would we need, currently we are using XP on all 4 computers but I guess we will have to upgrade in the near future.

HDD? CPU? RAM??

Cheers Jason

xpd

The Overrated Raccoons
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Reply # 321566 22-Apr-2010 09:02

I setup a "server" at a clients home office for their property mangement business.... 3-4 workstations, all on XP.
The "server" is just a P3 500, 768mb RAM running XP - all their documents are on it (with daily backs to external drive).

Works well for them and hasnt fallen over in the 3 years its been there :)

Check the reqs for any server based software and pretty much use that as your base.

XPD / Gavin / DemiseNZ

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Milutiche

146 posts

Master Geek
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Reply # 321792 22-Apr-2010 18:35

So if this server was to be used as the reception #1 computer would the requirements still be the same?
Additionaly, the Quickbooks database will be accessed very regularly from the other 3-4 PC's so does the HDD need to be fast?

Also how good/reliable is windows7 in a business application?

TAI Jason

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Ragnor

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Reply # 321865 22-Apr-2010 22:37

Any practically any modern PC will easily handle running quickbooks and business applications.

A better approach is decide on a max budget that you want to fit within the we can give you a good idea of what parts you should look at for that budget (best bang for buck within budget)

Also consider what parts you don't need because you're re-using some you already have, typically keyboard, mouse, monitor are reused or not needed other than for setup for a "server".

freitasm

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Reply # 321868 22-Apr-2010 22:44

I wouldn't use any PC as a server - it's a machine where you want to store files and keep them safe. Having a PC someone is using for other tasks is risky.

What about a Windows Home Server? http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=380045 for example. Add a couple of hard disks to that to increase capacity and you could easily have duplicated storage for documents (in case a drive goes bad) and space for back up each of the office's PC as well.

This would increase overall security a bit.

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xpd

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Reply # 321923 23-Apr-2010 08:06

You are better off having a dedicated server - reception type computers can end up with all sorts of fun stuff installed on them...inc malware/viruses which could potentially kill your application access.

Just my opinion, but for small business, I dont see the point of the extra cost of a dedicated server system (as MF has linked) when a spare PC around the office could be used. But thats me :)

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jaymz

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Reply # 322448 24-Apr-2010 19:50

+1 for getting a stand-alone server. Personally I would use a brand new piece of equipment too, that way you get a warranty etc.

If I was in your shoes I would use an HP ML110 server. The question is OS for the server, if it is just going to be a P2P network then 2008 Foundation would be fine (Cannot be used at a DC (Domain Controller).
But if the business is set to grow then running 2003/2008 standard (you can then DC Promo it up later and run the site as a domain)

It does come back down to cost in the end unfortunatly, but try get a stand alone server that is not used as a workstation by any users.

dman

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Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 323344 27-Apr-2010 02:52

xpd: You are better off having a dedicated server - reception type computers can end up with all sorts of fun stuff installed on them...inc malware/viruses which could potentially kill your application access.

I agree about getting two, just get a entry level PC for the receptionist and another 2nd one as your file serve

You can buy new for under $1k from any decent computer shop such as PBTech, PlayTech or ComputerLounge

heck, if you are willing to buy a reconditioned computer from any of those computer companies (which is what I personally would do) then you can go as low as $300 each for your receptionist and file server

for instance:

http://pbtech.co.nz/index.php?page=63&s=Ex-leased%20PC

+

http://pbtech.co.nz/index.php?page=63&s=Ex-leased%20monitors

(+ keyboard & mouse which you can just about get free with your next Happy Meal purchase from McD's)

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