Get Started With a Small-Business Server

How to Setup a Small Business Server & Network, Your small office probably depends on more than one computer to do its job. To manage the activities on all the PCs in your company, consider using a server for small businesses. Initially, shared storage would be the main advantage of this central hub and you would have multiple backup options. And as your business needs grow, you can use your server to design and test a website, host intranet services and possibly host your Internet presence.

Choosing a Server

The cheaper server only requires the kind of hardware you might already have in a closet - something slow like a PC with a Pentium Pro can handle an Ubuntu Linux based server. Windows Small Business Server 2008 is one step ahead of that; you can get it by running it on a new unused PC or you can buy a new pre-installed server.

Small Business Server 2008 is ideal for a few employees up to about a dozen or two. With 25 or more employees, you'll probably want to upgrade to Windows Essential Business Server 2008. PC companies that sell hardware and software systems usually help set it up, but you'll likely need on-site assistance or professional IT advice. to make it work.

Windows Home Server is suitable for sharing media files and performing simple network backups. It may be advantageous to run it and Small Business Server on the same network, but its limited scope leaves no room for growth. Mac OS X Server works well for performing cross-platform business and administration tasks, especially if the operation is primarily Mac-based; its brilliant Apple-style guides you through most of its services. If your organization primarily uses PCs, a Windows server will provide more automation and configuration for Windows clients.

Using an Ubuntu Linux-Based Server

If you are already familiar with managing a network, you may be ready for a simple server using Ubuntu Linux. The free operating system is available in server and desktop versions, each of which can run the same applications. The server version is preconfigured with networking tools, including Samba and OpenSSH file sharing, and its kernel is optimized to be more responsive to server activities. Beginners might find its intimidating command-line interface; Fortunately, however, activating the Ubuntu desktop GUI is simple.

The free download of Ubuntu can start quickly: just burn it to CD and run the installer. Note, however, that you need to understand many network basics before getting started. Are you familiar with the concepts behind manual IP addresses, router hardware, and file-sharing permissions? Are you comfortable with hard drive installations, RAM upgrades, and other hardware bases? Great! You should be able to understand Ubuntu and configure your PC as you go. Otherwise, a pre-installed paid server and the support that is usually provided may be better suited to your needs.

If you choose Ubuntu, in addition to the economic advantages of using a free operating system, you will have full control of the server, a capacity that you would not have with other servers. Ubuntu offers a high level of customization, including a Linux application library. Windows Setup a Business Network, on the other hand, requires special plug-ins to work beyond Microsoft's options. Although add-ons can meet your needs, this type of configuration does not open Linux.