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Can anyone recommend a server?

  • Thread starter Thread starter cholland
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cholland

Just wondering if anyone can recommend a server?

I just need one for a central place so everyone can access files and images and to also backup PC's to once a day.

There will only be around 6 people that need access to it, but would also be good if I can remote connect in.

Thanks

Chris
 
ryedale said:
Would it not be easier and a lot cheaper to use Dropbox?
Click to expand...

was thinking same, dropbox, google drive, box.com, aws etc will do what you need without having a physical server so you / your staff can login anywhere in the world.
 
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I wouldn't recommend dropbox etc for company use, those websites I would suggest for sharing information to people outside of a company. These websites would hold up bandwidth and not give you many security options
 
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Cloud based servers aren't really an option as the internet is really slow here! We tried Dropbox and it would take 12 days to upload 50gb of images onto it..

Will look at the HP one above, thanks!
 
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Couldn't tell you a budget as I have never really looked into them - not loads though!

1TB would be more than enough.

Chris
 
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I would recommend server 2012 essentials which would give you the remote option for your server and I would always recommend to have the server wired in, instead of wireless for realiability
 
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Why not just get a NAS drive (network attached storage). You can get them with raid mirroring so that you always have backup. This would plug into your net (router) and be shared will all your staff. You could set up a script to back this up to an offsite/cloud service for additional security.

-- Oops. Just re-read your post and you want to remote into it. Forget the nas drive then.
 
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avecSys said:
I wouldn't recommend dropbox etc for company use, those websites I would suggest for sharing information to people outside of a company. These websites would hold up bandwidth and not give you many security options
Click to expand...


We use it for a team of 6, it works instantly in windows explorer as fast as a local drive and we all use two factor authentication to log in for security.

You do need a decent broadband connection though so if yours is slow, probably not the best bet
 
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ryedale said:
We use it for a team of 6, it works instantly in windows explorer as fast as a local drive and we all use two factor authentication to log in for security.

You do need a decent broadband connection though so if yours is slow, probably not the best bet
Click to expand...

But no remote access...
 
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Hi avecSys,

If you wouldn't mind sending that over that would help a lot! Would I need to get someone to install mine? Or is it simply a case of following a walkthrough to do a few basic things?

Chris
 
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You might be best looking at a ML 110 server, they are very reasonable priced and very resilient. Don't make the same mistake many companies do and forget the licences you will need for each user and if you are requiring remote working you will need Terminal server licences. Are you looking to make this your exchange server as well? If you need any advice please get in contact with me
 
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Yes that's right but they asked to be able to remotely connect in. Lots of companies don't realise that to be able to do this they need licences either on a per user or per device, this is something companies overlook and don't include in their budget. Its always good to be clear of the hidden costs of setting up a new server so the customer isn't hit with additional costs later on.
 
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We run a refurbished dell machine, with a Linux OS acting as a Samba server, accessible from 5 machines running various OS's.

Cost us less than £500, and an hour or two to configure Linux, we did have another older box set up as a VPN server, so we could remote in but don't have much of requirement for it now.
 
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I would recommend a Synology NAS - cost effective and you can access all your data on any device even when you're not in the office. Alternatively there are cloud based services which provide the same resource's based on a subscription. If you're budget is up to it you could even opt for a Hosted Desktop?
 
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There are a number of options available depending on your requirements. This also doesn't need to be expensive however it should be a commercial and not consumer offering.

Let me know if anyone needs any advise
 
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Broadberry super micro systems are cheap and reliable, install linux running samba for windows sharing and authentication you good to go.

I do this daily and it takes me 30 mins from start to finish.. I can provide details if you want them


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
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Surely a modern NAS will provide what you need - mine does, its 12TiB and about 4 years old. They should also have reasonable security features, though that depends what you're looking for - just different users or NTFS/AD integration (mine does both)? I'd of thought this route would also be cheaper and much less effort to setup and maintain (i.e. no peripherals, messing with windows updates, etc.). Remote access would also be possible, they tend to have FTP and web interfaces these days and should support SSL encryption too if configured.

Another option for remote access, is to look at using Remote Desktop to one (or more) of your PCs. It works very well, even on a slow to medium connection (even mobile, though can be a little frustrating).
 
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Its not just the server its also the software so whatever you buy you need local support or help from the big guys like HP, Dell etc who can sort out any problems asap

Cloud based are great until you loose the connection and then all your staff are sitting around twiddling their thumbs

I would also suggest a Draytek router as they can handle multi lines in so if one goes down it will use another or wireless dongles
 
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It's all very well suggesting Cloud this Cloud that, but many people do fail to take into account the main requirement for Cloud Services, a reliable, strong connection.

If internet connection is an issue, I would suggest a basic NAS box, however if you did want to implement security and keep cost minimal, look into the HP Microserver range.
 
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Hi Chris

Not sure if you still looking for a solution but I would go for Dell servers which you can probably get within a grand based on your requirements. You can have a professional engineer to install the network domain for your company and connect all computers to it - Gives you more professional working environment and more control. Let me know if you need more info on it.

All the best!
 
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please see my friends at serverfactory.co.uk say terry sent you and you can get a great price and they are fast and accurate
 
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samuel.tamkin said:
It's all very well suggesting Cloud this Cloud that, but many people do fail to take into account the main requirement for Cloud Services, a reliable, strong connection.

If internet connection is an issue, I would suggest a basic NAS box, however if you did want to implement security and keep cost minimal, look into the HP Microserver range.
Click to expand...
If people rely on the cloud then they should really have a cheap backup connection in case the main connection goes down.
 
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cholland said:
Just wondering if anyone can recommend a server?

I just need one for a central place so everyone can access files and images and to also backup PC's to once a day.

There will only be around 6 people that need access to it, but would also be good if I can remote connect in.

Thanks

Chris
Click to expand...

As others have said, Synology is the way forward for a relatively straight forward service like this.
 
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yes i should explain why i said accurate... if you tell them what it is exactly you are looking for they will come up with a configuration to suite your needs perfectly
 
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