Comparison of the Major Server Systems part 1

There are several issues that need to be addressed in regard to server systems. The hardware and software configurations of a server can vary widely, and there are a number of combinations that will result in a good server system.

In order to give you the best overall picture of your options, we’ll cover these issues separately.

Hardware

Servers can be run off anything from small under-powered machines to massive network systems. The system you choose will mostly depend on your budget. You can choose to develop your own server or use a company that specializes in turn-key server packages (preconfigured hardware/software solutions).

No matter what system you decide on, make sure that it is able to grow as your site expands. Your server hardware is one of the most difficult parts of your system to change, so make sure you choose wisely, and don’t cut corners here.


Note

If you are planning to connect your LAN (Local Area Network) to the Net, there are a variety of commercial solutions available. You can either choose to install client software as well as a server on each workstation (yuck), or choose a complete server-based system (yeah).

System integration services are available from computer companies like IBM (http://www.ibm.com/) and Digital Equipment Corporation (http://www.digital.com/). There are also a growing number of services (such as PSINet or UUNet) that offer connectivity services. These are usually partnerships between LAN providers and ISPs.


Web servers run on so many types of systems it is impossible to explore each in this limited space; however, the next sections give a quick overview of the systems we see used most often.

Sun Workstations

 

Sun (http://www.sun.com/) owners are generally quite happy with their technology, and go so far as to say that you’ll have the least trouble if you go with one of these systems, as we hope you would at that price.

Some claimed advantages are the system’s stability, the quality hardware installed, and that public domain UNIX software is easier to compile than on another platform. Sun components, however, are more difficult to locate than PC components, and it is more expensive than most other systems.

Silicon Graphics Workstations

 

SGI (Silicon Graphics Incorporated, see Figure 6.2) is considered the Rolls Royce of workstations. Those who use SGI generally fall in love with them. Graphic designers as well as Web server administrators both find SGI out of this world.

Figure.6.2. Silicon Graphics’ high bandwidth Web site.

So why doesn’t everyone use them? Two main reasons: the high cost and the difficult security setup. If security is a concern, be prepared to spend lots of time making your host secure. In fact, many feel it is not a good idea to use an SGI box as your shell machine at all!

Apparently, the default SGI configuration disregards security almost completely. Therefore, you may not want to run credit card numbers through an SGI system. If you are interested in this system, check out the SGI Administration FAQ; it has a comprehensive list of known SGI security holes and how to fix them.

Basically,

if you want to buy a really neat workstation, are prepared to deal with the security issues, and money is not a major concern, an SGI machine may be right for you. Visit Silicon Graphics’ slick Web site (http://www.sgi.com), which has lots of useful information and a great FAQ to answer all your questions.

Pentium-Based Systems

 

Pentium-based server systems (like Intel’s, Figure 6.3) are becoming more and more popular, especially with the decreasing cost of Pentium Pro and PCI chip sets. Everyone seems to agree they are taking over the market. Not only is the setup cost inexpensive, but so are the add-on components. This has led to an explosion of software solutions geared toward these systems.

Another added bonus is that you can exchange parts with your existing PC or build a whole PC network using Windows NT. Some say that setting up these systems to use as a Web server can be difficult, so we think it is a good idea if you are planning on going this way to invest in one of the preconfigured, complete server packages (more on these later in this chapter).

Macintosh-Based Systems

 

The best source of information on the Macintosh server is available straight from the horse’s mouth at http://www.apple.com. Apple has made some great strides lately and is gaining popularity quickly. If you want a preconfigured Web server, Apple sells a range of packages called the Apple Internet Server Solution.

Preconfigured Server Packages

 

A growing number of companies are selling complete server packages; many of these are inexpensive and use Pentium chip sets. Some companies also sell “complete” Internet servers. These companies are a good place to begin your search for hardware and investigate your hardware needs if you don’t know much about setting up systems. A few we have found are

 

WebCube http://www.pacnet.com/pacnet/wcube/home.html
Computer Data Networks http://www.kuwait.net/~cdn/servers.html
Intergraph http://129.135.1.3/webserver

The real advantage to these types of systems is that they come preconfigured with your server hardware and software, which could end up saving you days of setup.

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