Server_Stuff

You have a server, if you are a normal business you have a server admin on the payroll or outsource your server administration.

If you are confused or need to know just what the heck that 'Geek speek' means then look no further.

I have setup some pages for the non technial person to read, they will give you some idea of what goes on when you setup a network and servers.

From figuring out what you will need to setup your network to why those guys want big bucks!!!

Then again you could consider DIY!!! Keep that money in your bank account!

Servers

Why would you want a server? What would it do for you? [besides empty you checking account?]

A server will allow more than one person to view a document at the same time. It could consolodate your printing tasks to one or two printers instead of everyone having a different printer. It increases the securtiy of your workstations!

For more info on just what a server can do for you check this page out:

Configuration considerations

Thinking of setting up some servers? Have you read through my Server Configurations considerations?

Ok now you need to know about hardware, the more you know the less one of those 'Geek's' can schmooz you, you can keep a lot of your hard eared cash in your bank account.

Hardware is a fairly complicated subject, have a look at my web page for more info, and remember the money you save is yours!

Hardware considerations

RAID Array (Redundant Array of Independent Drives) man those geeks sure can come up with some dozzies can't they!

What is a RAID? Why would you want to put the money those geeks want you to into one? or more?!

To find out what a RAID is have a read at this web page:

RAID Configurations

Do you have a Windows Server? Want to make it more productive? Maybe you need a web site for your business or your a student and need to setup a web site but don't know how to setup the Web Hosting Service on your server?

Well I just finshed a page that I was asked to write about setting up IIS (Internet Information Service) for a Windows Server, the process is the same for NT, 2000, and 2003. I haven't installed IIS on a 2008 server yet so am not positive it is the same process.

Have a read here:

IIS -Configuring a Internet Information Service

Do you know what these two terms mean: Paging file or Memory dump

The Paging file or swap file is a dynamaic file that your OS uses to store data when you run out of physical memory, other wise your computer would shut down because you have overloaded it with your multitasking.

The Dump file is a file that the OS writes when it crashes. This is a speial file that is a raw memory dump that you need a special program (can you read $$$$$$ to buy it?) to read the contents.

If you want to know more about these two files and how to use them correctly read this article:

Information about Paging file or Memory dump file

Do you have a server? Running the Windows Server OS?

Are you considering adding a web hosting service?

Well I have written a article on how to set it up.

Read about it here:

IIS -Configuring a Internet Information Service

Is the C: drive on your serve getting full?

As part of your optimization are you installing applications on your other drive volumes?

I have written an article pointing out the reasons for not installing shared applications and data bases on the system drive, read the full article here:

Software and Applications Installation

In my twenty years of working with computers and fourteen or more with Windows Operating Systems I have seen more BSOD ( Blue Screen Of Death ) or Error Stop Screen on servers than workstations.

The reasons for the BSOD would be hardware failure or a hardware driver being changed or becoming corrupt for one reason or another.

The reason a server has more hardware failures than a workstation is the server runs 24/7 where as a workstation is shut down every night and over the week end. A server seldom gets shut down for more than a few minutes to a couple of hours at the most. This continuous running causes the electronic parts to expand with heat and never given a chance to contact with cooling off. This continued expansion causes hairline cracks on the PCB and the solder joints, eventually the PCB and solder joints fail. This failure could conceivably cause the part to short out.

A driver can become corrupt over time if the server is shut down by powering it off frequently, not defragmenting the hard drive, and if the hard drive deteriorates in the area where the driver is stored.

When doing updates sometimes a driver is replaced and the driver will cause the BSOD.

You can read more on the BSOD and how to fix them with out reloading the Operating System here:
Trouble Shooting BSOD or Blue Screen Of Death