Due to anticipated expansion at Walnut Creek of Thomasville, they have recently requested a server, primarily for data storage. Although the current network is peer-to-peer this will be a dedicated server. Upgrading the peer-to-peer to a true client/server network would be a huge and expensive undertaking considering nearly all the machines on the current network are running Windows XP Home Edition, which is unable to join a network domain. Given that fact, I’ll leave the client/server network for some time in the distant future, or never.

I am planning on installing Ubuntu Linux – Server Edition on the new server. The main reason for using this operating system is the cost – free. Also, Linux is more secure and less susceptible to viruses than Windows operating systems. I have installed Ubuntu on a couple machines before so I’m hoping the install and configuration process will go smoothly. Hopefully, considering no one at Walnut Creek knows how to use Linux, once I get the machine up and running it should be mostly maintenance free. As far as the use of Ubuntu vs. another Linux distribution; it is only because Ubuntu is the one I’m most familiar with. Also, it is very user friendly which is great for a Linux novice like me.

Since I have never built a dedicated server before, I am pretty much going into this blind as far as hardware is concerned. I did some quick research and chose an AMD Opteron 165 as the processor to build the system around. This will be my first experience with a dual core processor. Once I settled on that I just found components to fit. I am planning on using dual hard drives in a RAID 1 setup for extra protection in the case of a drive failure.

All of the components were ordered from Newegg.com. I have purchased from Newegg multiple times in the past, and they always have great prices and service. If you are planning on purchasing any computer or electronics components I would suggest you check them out. None of the hardware components have arrived, but below is a list of the entire system. I plan on continuing this series of posts as I make progress with the new system. Hopefully, it is successful.

• Processor – AMD Opteron 165 Denmark
• Motherboard – TYAN S2865G2NR
• System Memory – CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB
• Hard Drive – (2) Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB
• DVD Drive – NEC 16X DVD±R DVD Burner
• Floppy Drive – Hopefully I can find one somewhere
• Case/Power Supply – APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-Alien ATXA1A

Also see: Building a Sever – Part II