A server is the core of any network. In fact, it is the reason for having a network in the first place. All the wires, hardware, and networking equipment exist to connect users to servers.

Servers can hold documents, e-mail, databases, and web sites, appications. They "serve" data to users.

When you browse a Web site, a server is on the other end to send you the pictures, text, and links that make up each page. When you check your e-mail, a server at the other end sends your e-mail to your computer. When you print a document to a shared printer, it is a server that Manages your document and sends it to the printer.

The server is a very important part of today’s workplace. Simply having one isn’t enough, though —you need the right one (or ones).

Here’s why: A server is made up of two parts: the hardware and the software. It is the combination of these components that determines your server’s strength, reliability, performance, and expandability.

Servers are used for a variety of purposes:

• To store data
• To process data
• To centralize the administration of a network and its users

The most basic servers are file servers, which act as common storage areas for documents and pro-grams, and print servers, which provide common locations to attach to network printers.

Application servers not only store and process data, they also run programs. SQL-based databases and company-wide e-mail programs are good examples of applications that require servers.

When you consolidate your network’s storage and application services by using a server, your backup, security, and distribution functions become more cost effective and practical to operate and maintain.

Why not just use a regular PC as a server?

Think of it this way: You can apply a trailer hitch to just about any vehicle, but you wouldn’t expect a Yugo to pull a trailer around town for long. If you need to dedicate a vehicle to hauling, you’d be much better off with an industrial truck or tractor.

Similarly, if you need a central link for communication, information, and printing in a networked business, you’ll want a dedicated server—maybe even more than one.

Since your servers must function optimally, with minimal downtime, you must be careful when choosing, configuring, and maintaining their components.

Even before the days of Windows 3.1, many operating systems offered file- and printer-sharing capabilities. Recent operating systems must support such networking features.

Most of these operating systems even build in basic security measures that prevent unauthorized entry into the file systems.

But these "personal" systems don’t measure up in a demanding corporate networked environment.

Server or NOS (Network Operating System) software is designed specifically to:

• Provide stability, security, and multiple user performance
• Support larger storage devices and memory
• Make files and data secure and protect them from disasters
• Process requests from many users simultaneously without seriously degrading performance or stability

The most popular NOS software packages, all created specifically for the NOS marketplace, are Windows NT Server, Novell NetWare, and Unix. All these operating systems function on the Intel platform, making them compatible with many computers now on the market.

Many NOS software packages will run on any PC. But not all computers can perform well as servers.

PC hardware is designed to run operating systems and software cost-effectively for the general consumer. Some PCs are designed to perform better and faster than others, under more extreme circumstances.

From the outside, "server-class" computers often look like regular PCs in larger cases. However, their components are specially selected for ability, stability, and reliability. Even their cases allow for easier access and expandability.

Components built for servers also offer and optimize special Error Correcting memory, larger cache memory, fault-tolerant hard drives, redundant cooling systems, hot-swappable hard drives and PCI cards, and in some instances, multiple processors, drive controllers, and power supplies.

What all this techno-speak means to you is that the inside of a server-class computer will let your company’s network system work harder, faster, longer, and more reliably.

So if you're thinking about using a regular PC as a network server, think again. When you add up the value of high performance and data security, along with the high cost of downtime, you’ll find that real servers are well worth their higher price.

For more information about balancing network performance and your IT budget,