Server & Workstation Systems
If you are looking to set up multiple computers in an office setup, you may need to look at server & workstation systems. This will be a basic buyer’s guide to help you find the best one. You may have something set up to where there will be multiple computers set up in one location.
There are differences between servers and workstations that you need to know about. Servers will have the ability to keep files like images, videos, html, and other application files. These will be accessed online.
Whereas, workstations will be used for high end applications like video editing, graphic design, and other tasks. Let’s take a look now at what you need to look for in server & workstation systems.
Operating systems
You might prefer to use one operating system over another. You might be using a Windows workstation, or something like Linux or Unix. When looking at servers, you have Solaris, Linux, and Windows servers among others.
You will want to find the right server and workstation that is compatible with your operating system. Choose an operating system that works best for you and go from there.
Purposes
There may be an intent or purpose as to why you need a server and workstation. You may be running certain apps that will allow you to get a task done. You may be putting together digital designs using Auto CAD.
Or you might be using video or graphic editing software. Whatever apps you plan on using, you want a server/workstation that will be compatible and powerful enough to handle it. If you intend to use the software for your tasks, check the requirements and specifications for workstations and servers.
You don’t want to find the wrong one only to find out when the app isn’t working properly. Pay careful attention to what server/workstation is necessary for the apps you want to use.
Other than that, you may be needing it for various purposes. For servers, you might be using it for file sharing, emails, data backup, or something that will support remote work. In today’s day in age, many companies are going 100 percent remote.
For this reason, the demand for servers is amping up. Which means you now have a prime opportunity to get a server for your business now. Waiting for the right moment will be a mistake at this point.
Number of ports
The number of ports will be important. Especially when you’ll be connecting multiple computers. The more ports it has, the more computers can be used. You also want to make sure it’s powerful enough to handle them all.
The last thing you want is multiple computers operating at a slow pace. When you’re working on projects and time is not on your side, speed is everything. If it’s fast enough, you’ll be ahead of the curve and get everything done.
If you have a small number of computers, you may need one workstation/server that will be enough. Likewise, more computers mean more workstations/servers.
The types of servers/workstations
You’ll want to be aware of the types of servers and workstations that exist. For example, you have sound and video workstations. A sound workstation will work with various sound tools such as your audio cards, microphones, and other tools.
It will be great for someone who is producing music or sound effects for projects. Likewise, a video workstation will be great for digital video connections and video editing (among other tasks). It all comes down to what you intend to do on a regular basis.
When it comes to servers, you’ll want to find one that will be great for sharing and transferring files from one user to another. The two most common servers are application and web servers. Application servers will be useful for those who want to share apps with other users.
GUI
When it comes to GUI (or graphical user interface), workstations have the best. Servers don’t have that. If you are planning on doing audio or visual intensive projects, you might find yourself finding a workstation that will handle those tasks without issue.
Price
The price might be a concern for some. Especially when they are trying to keep it within a certain budget range. Technology is all about performance and quality.
Even if affordability is an issue, performance and quality should be a greater priority. In other words, don’t find the cheapest option possible. Because the cheaper it is, the greater your performance and quality will suffer.
It comes down to finding the best you can afford. It’s your business. You need to worry more about how well a server/workstation will work for you.
You want something that will work 99 percent of the time. You want it to be fast enough to transfer files and applications. You want it to be good enough in order to handle the usual tasks.
Find what will satisfy your needs while it’s within your price range. You’d be surprised what you can find at a price that you can afford.
Take assessment of your must-haves for a server/workstation. What do you not want to lose? What are you willing to give up for the purpose of affordability?
As a business owner, you may be faced with difficult tasks. But at the end of the day, you will find a server/workstation that will be a good fit.
Final Thoughts
Finding a server/workstation system can be difficult. If you know what your needs are, you’ll be able to whittle down your options. You can find the best one that fits within your price range.
At the end of the day, you want something that will keep business rolling. Or you might need something to get multiple projects going at once. No matter what, you will need to find a server/workstation that will be consistent and reliable.
Once you find one that you know you’ll be happy with, you can put it to work.
