Ok, I've done this for long enough now that I think I can probably make justifiable comments on the subject. Before I elaborate on the topic though, I'll add a bit of qualifications for you to take comfort in. I've specialized in server installation and setup now for the past six years. So much so that my home is probably over-automated in many ways. In my defense though, it all works flawlessly! Servers in my home handle:

 

 

And the whole computer environment (Poweredge servers, Latitude and Inspiron laptops) is wireless. Further, I've converted almost all of my close friends and associates from standard desktops and power workstations over to server based setups. Generally, all of them became must do's after visiting my real, working, networked operation. I am a staunch Dell supporter, at least 10 years now. It's what my main line of working hardware revolves around, so why not stay with what you know? The real sticking points for most have been complicated setup requirements and unfamiliarity with the hardware and its parameters. The pricing has also provided a good resistance point. But eBay has all but eliminated much of the prices argument as an issue. Especially when folks learn that they really don't need the latest greatest processors and most expensive gear to get what they want. To that point, I'd like to take this space to work through just a few issues that you might find helpful in your understanding of some vague areas in the planning stages so that you can have an informed basis to start your server search. And, I'll try to do this in simple language so you feel empowered. Let's get started!

 

We all hear about the newest, latest, best, fastest, most powerful offerings. But what about just telling us what's enough to cover our needs? Fact is, most of today's laptop processors would have been more than enough to take over almost all of the duties of the NASA moon shots. While headroom, bandwidth and clock speed, are all terms of importance somewhere in the scheme of things, what about for you? Ok, after saying this next piece someone will scream for me to turn in my nerd license, but here goes. I think it is very safe to say that 2.0 GHz is plenty for most of your needs, and how you get there is fine. Either as a lone processor or in multiple processor configurations. There, that should start controversy somewhere. Here's another shocker, you really won't need a quad core processor to efficiently handle word processing, web surfing, contact management, music production, and most other tasks that you have in mind. In nerd speak for a moment, we're talking nano seconds of improved processor speeds for your application with the new chips. Based on this, eBay is a buyer's playground of used server values.

 

This is my personal preference when stacked against a dual core offering. Right after I started touting this solution they hit me with dual, dual core processing options. Still stayed within my configuration parameters though, its the first dual that I bank on. Whenever the software manufacturers catch up, it will first be within the realm of multiple processors. The hardware manufacturers want the multi-cores solutions, but it's software (manufacturer) that drives this train. And contrary to the wishes of all the various fractions, the majority of the consumers marketplace is Windows based, in standard applications and games. If you have the patience, the direction of travel will become clear to you. For now, head for multiple processors and let the passage of time settle the multi-core issues. A server will provide you with better options in this area than a standard desktop. Servers are made for more robust environments and real power processing and hammering. Advantage server!

 

Ok, here's a big scare for lots of folks. The Operating System (OS) also has a lot to do with what you can do here. Especially with the upgraded Ubuntu Linux OS line making noise. Since most of the consumer market is Windows based, that's where I'll keep this discussion. To take full advantage of the server benefits, look for server software for your machine. Sure there's a nerd out there who can jury rig XP to operate the hardware, but why? Windows 2000 (Standard or Advanced) or Windows 2003 (Small Business Server) will provide you the ability to make your server investment very robust in its abilities. And again, great prices can be found on eBay. Make sure that should you get 64-bit based hardware, that you have comparable 64-bit OS software. I personally don't think the average user will have any visible upgrades in performance by going 64-bit, but I'll leave that bit of vanity stroke to your own disgression. These two versions of the Windows OS have massive support communities and they aren't going to be obsolete anytime soon. Both have become very stable products too. The average user will find them very familiar in their look and functionality so there won't be a sharp learning curve involved to get started. Advantage server!

 

The server jumps way ahead of the desktop in this field too. I can tell you that your standard Windows Server software has limits, but they're larger than the desktop parameters will handle. For all but the super power user who needs a supercomputer to help NORAD with computations, a machine with four (4) gig's will be plenty. If you're squeamish, and again because eBay offers great prices, you can look to eight (8) or sixteen (16) gig machines also. Once you have your machine, immediately max out your RAM. Topping it out will only add to your overkill ability. Enjoy the massive operational benefits compounded from having maximum RAM and, dual processors. Just remember as I said before, software is still the true limiter here. Even the latest of today's desktops maxed can't get to some of the RAM size areas that are being thrown out at the server level. Spend time looking here on eBay. Advantage server!

 

Talk about a great gift to the consumer. The ability to open a case, door, or lever and pop out a defective part without powering down. From multiple power supplies, to processors, to RAM and hard drives. The server options seem endless. Now some machines are not true 100% hot swapable in that you can't leave the machine running while you exchange things. But the switch out could generally be done with no more than a quick power down. And there are a ton of value driven replacement parts out there (guess where) on eBay! Go SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) for the best option in reliability. Some of the newer machines offer upgrades with SATA, but the equipment that you'll be seeing will be better in the SCSI modes. And when you add in the extended storage capabilities of drive arrays, the ceiling just get's blown away. Can you imagine a terabyte (equivalent to 1,000 gigabytes or 1,000,000 megabytes) of storage capacity linked to your server or network? The desktop is woeful in this hot swapping area, even the new ones. Advantage server!

 

The one area that the server tends to fall down in would be in video upgrades. While the newer machines tend to provide some recognition of the need to have more graphic capacity, it truly is an afterthought. Servers, are servers! They are machines that traditionally don't need high resolutions or high speed 3D graphics. To show almost a disdain for the users blending applications, some companies even remove the user's ability to switch off the internal solutions to add in upgraded video cards. Even in their newest options, Dell will fight you tooth and nail to retain their configurations. (I am undaunted! I'll be experimenting over the coming months to see just what a high capacity tech can do about this Dell shortcoming. And I'll be backwards testing the machines within the Dell family to see just what is doable.)

 

With the exception of video limitations, the case for servers versus desktops for me is rather simple. The server provides you with tons of options that just are not found within the ranks of the basic desktops. Now I'm certain that there are probably one or two exceptions in the desktops/workstations category that can compete with the lower end of the server market. But they are just that, the exceptions! And even then, it's only the lower end that they can rival. I would say more correctly, those machines that they rival were made to address the lowest end of the server market in their day from a price point and a "we have an offering" perspective. They generally were termed, "Entry Level" servers. They truly were glorified, maxed out workstations. With the benefits of pricing here at eBay, the case becomes even more lopsided towards a server being a more robust option for most users who really want to gear up for the future. And, it is a "no brainer" option to a vista solution for any foreseeable future.

 

(This guide was written June 2008)