What kind of server should I buy to run software for multiple users?

6 replies
Hey guys, I'm not very knowledgeable about the whole server thing or internal computer components for that matter, but I'm thinking I might try to learn about setting up a server. Anyway, I would like to buy a server capable of running a database program for salespeople where they can update/record lead information. Maybe for about 5 to 15 people. Also, I would like a server that would be able to run a project management software where a few people could access it at the same time. I was looking at servers online and found this: http://houston.craigslist.org/sys/3865090844.html. Now, I don't really know if I need something better than this, but at the very least I was thinking I could use this to host my own PBX platform.

What do you guys think? Should I buy something like this? I would like to try to set it up myself, but if I can't I'll probably have to hire help.
#buy #kind #multiple #run #server #software #users
  • Profile picture of the author RobinInTexas
    1. The Craigslist listing link doesn't work
    2. craigslist is not the place to look for a server
    3. you should get a server based on the requirements of the softwars you need, not fit the software to the server
    Signature

    Robin



    ...Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just set there.
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    • Profile picture of the author GeoMasters
      there it is. Fixed the link.
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  • Profile picture of the author Farish
    These servers are made for Windows 2000. I don't even believe the advertisement that they may have Windows 2008 on them as they don't even make the 64 bit requirement. I even check on HP's website and the latest drivers are for Windows 2003.
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Well, at least some XEONS ARE 64 bit! TODAY, MOST processors can handle 5-15 users for the kind of thing you are talking about. Just stay away from ATOM, ARM, and competing chips from AMD, VIA, and the like. They are made for people that DON'T need speed. ALSO, it would be best to limit yourself to chip families made in the last 4 years. XEON is a special case, as it is a VERY high end variant. It used to cost a FORTUNE, and so it was only in quality server machines. So even some older XEONS are fine for now. PBXs may require more though, with VOIP and all. Maybe you have your akronyms mixed up.

    You are talking about a contact lead management program, a project management program, and likely a database. These are separate from the server.

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Brian Tayler
    What kind of software and using what processing power? I personally have a couple VPS and dedicated machines. All running CentOS. One VPS (with very limited RAM/CPU) is running a PBX (Asterisk with FreePBX to be exact) because the overhead needed to run a PBX is VERY low, no need for overkill. 512MB RAM with a ATOM processor would be fine. However getting into SQL queries thats a different story... but all comes down to how many queries an hour you are running.
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by Brian Tayler View Post

      What kind of software and using what processing power? I personally have a couple VPS and dedicated machines. All running CentOS. One VPS (with very limited RAM/CPU) is running a PBX (Asterisk with FreePBX to be exact) because the overhead needed to run a PBX is VERY low, no need for overkill. 512MB RAM with a ATOM processor would be fine. However getting into SQL queries thats a different story... but all comes down to how many queries an hour you are running.
      Yeah, the TRUTH is that with the older technology at 100Mhz, it did well, but why scrimp. Today, the stuff I described is dirt cheap. Also, some lack features that TODAY are limiting. MAN, I saw a 128BG flash drive yesterday for like $100 and a 1GB hard disk once cost me $1000! Of course I wasn't generally using Xwindows either.

      As for PBX, I would just think that given the nature. I guess I have to get into that. I still wouldn't use an atom for a server though.

      Steve
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