Our Services

Does my business need a server?

Why in the heck would you want a server? This section lists the things you can have a server do. We will list and discuss different common “services”, or things that can be shared. Deciding whether or not you want a certain service is one of the hardest parts. It will be helpful to know the definitions that are in the first section for this section.

Often a server is referred to by the tasks that it accomplishes (i.e. a File Server serves files to the network). This is due to the fact that on very large networks, a server will usually only handle one of these tasks. In a small business, there is usually only one actual server that does several of the tasks below. Almost all services will run on a dedicated server but some services require one. Some of these services can be shared from a workstation, making the service possible on a peer-to-peer network. There is a “*” next to services that are commonly done by workstations.

These are the most common server types on office networks:

- * File Server - Purpose = SHARE FILES - Serving files to the network is one of the most common tasks of a small business server. A file server stores files such as documents (i.e. Word Processor documents), databases (i.e. shared QuickBooks database) and media files (i.e. MP3 music server) and if desired allows other computers on the network to access and change them.

- Network Server (LAN Server) - Purpose = MANAGE NETWORK - Serving a network that is located in the same small area (i.e. not connected via Internet), called a LAN (Local Area Network), is the most basic task of a server. It manages network traffic and can provide security to the network. It allows usernames and passwords to be used on the network. The network server allows many PCs in the same office to be on the network and communicate and it logs this traffic. Businesses need this type of server when over 10 computers are on the network but it helps networks of all sizes.

- Application Server - Purpose = SHARE PROGRAMS - This is like a file server but instead of sharing files, it shares programs. There is often different licensing needed for any shared software on a server. Most new applications that are shared are accessed through the web. That makes the server a web hosting and application server. A common use for this service is for distributing new anti-virus definitions to all of the workstations. The server only needs to get one copy from the Internet as opposed to each individual workstation downloading a copy. Sometimes the application being served is a database like Microsoft SQL Server. Unlike a QuickBooks database that runs off of your workstation, a SQL database actually runs on the server.

- Internet Server - Purpose = SHARE INTERNET - An Internet server distributes Internet to the network in a similar way to a router. The server is a firewall to the rest of the network (keeping hackers out). It allows the business to buy one Internet account and share it with every PC on the network at no additional cost (except with AOL). By using a server instead of a router, the client may install additional software to filter Internet content (i.e. stop employees from accessing job hunting sites)

- * Print Server - Purpose = SHARE PRINTERS - A print server allows the networked PCs to share a printer. It holds documents in a cue (line) until the printer can print all of them. This is usually one or more heavy-duty laser printers replacing a bunch of ink jets.

- * Fax Server - Purpose = SHARE FAX  - A Fax server gives faxing capabilities to workstations on the network. It is puts the outgoing faxes in line, sends them one at a time, and stores a copy of them for future reference.

- * Remote Access Server - Purpose = SHARE DESKTOP  - This allows a user to call into the server from a different location using a phone line. This is VERY slow and it should be set up for rare or emergency use only. This is often done between Windows workstations using PC Anywhere software. Better results are usually accomplished by a WAN server (which transmits over the Internet).

The next few listings are all services that are shared over the Internet. 
They are all accomplished best with a dedicated server:

- WAN Server - Purpose = MANAGE VIRTUAL NETWORK - A Wide Area Network (WAN) server allows two or more offices in different locations to connect to one another over the Internet and share files, printers and other network devices as if they were on the same local area network (LAN). This is a good way for employees to access their files from home or while on the road. The speed of this network between locations is limited by their Internet connection speed.

- Web Server - Purpose = HOST WEB PAGES - A web server allows a business to host web pages on the Internet. Even companies that have servers often choose to outsource this function because allowing Internet strangers to ask your server for things (like web pages) can be a security risk.

- Email Server - Purpose = SHARE EMAIL - When an email is sent, the Internet sends it to the correct corresponding email server for storage until the person it was sent to reads and deletes it from that server. Hosting your own email, especially using a Windows Server product can be a HUGE security risk. Risk can be minimized by using a secure setup of Linux on your server. This is the area of hacking and virus development that is the most active. Usually, whatever company is hosting your web page will also host your email.

Although there are other kinds of servers, this list covers what you need to know. Figuring out what you want is one of the biggest challenges in building a new network. I hope these questions helped you out.

We hope you are successful in your networking project. If you have any computer repair or networking questions and would like to talk with a professional, please give us a call or send us an email and we can probably help.