What Are Computer Servers
(And Do You Need One?)

Installing computer servers in your home or small business might help you with your productivity. Here's how it all fits together.

If you have been using computers or the internet long (and, anymore, who isn’t familiar with computers or the internet?), you have probably heard talk of servers and, unless you are very interested in computers, have probably not paid much attention.

However, with computers being such an integral part of every day life, everyone should have at least a working knowledge of what computer servers are and what they do.

Computer servers are often called, simply, servers. These are a central computer or information storing device that manages the resources of a network of computers. The network can be large or small.

There are different types of servers: a file server is a storage device that is dedicated to the storing of files. Anyone who is networked (connected) to this server will have access to the files.

BUFFALO HS-DH1.0TGL/R5 TeraStation Live Multimedia Storage Server	HP MediaSmart Server EX 470

A print server is a device that manages the printers in a network and any computer that is networked to that print server can print to any of the printers the server manages.

Servers are usually dedicated which means that they are not used for anything but their storage and serving tasks.

It is not hard to start a server system for your home or business. In fact, a central server to which each computer is linked is often the best way to make sure your business runs smoothly.

You can purchase a barebones server (also called a base system) if you want to just get a basic server and add to it.

ASUS TS500-E4/PA4 Pedestal Barebone Server	ASUS TS300-E4/PA4 5U Barebone Server

A server that stores the information of your business can help with the communications processes as well as increase productivity. When everybody on a network has access to the files stored on a server, there is less time printing out or emailing information between employees. Filesharing is a breeze.

If you are looking to start your own small network that is centralized through a server, all you really need is a central CPU and a hard drive. You might also want to consider a print server, particularly if you have a lot of employees spread throughout the building and you do not want to have printers at each computer. Having a print server is also a great way to have only one printer for your home if you have multiple computers.

HAWKING Wireless G Print Server	BELKIN Wireless G Print Server

Alternately, you can have multiple printers connected to a server, and run them simultaneously.

AXIS 0129-014-02 5600+ Network Print Server 3 Pack	AXIS 0130-014-01 5400+ Network Print Server

The size of your server will depend on the size of your business or home. Sometimes a single CPU and hard drive will work, other times you will need several large hard drives all linked together. Depending on how much space you need and how fast you need your server to be, your server can sit happily in a cabinet or take up an entire room! You can even set your server up to be wireless, which will save you a great deal of time and effort by not having to cable everything back to the server.

Setting up computer servers is not very hard and it is ideal for business operations or busy homes with multiple computers.

Return to the top of the Computer Servers page.