Dell servers are known for their durability and reliability, which makes them great for hosting websites and online stores. Being a company that created the first server in 1981, Dell still supports and manufactures servers today. While their servers may be built to last years of heavy use, it’s still important to perform regular maintenance and backups to ensure data integrity and protect your investment.
Backup
One of the first things you should do with any server is create a full backup. In case your server is ever damaged or destroyed, you’ll have the data to restore from backup. Additionally, you should create incremental backups, which are simply backups containing only the changes made since the last full backup. This ensures you always have a recent backup, without having to restore from earlier versions every time you make a change.
Service & Support
Just like any other computer, your Dell server will require some maintenance and occasional repair. You should have absolutely no problems with the basic functions of your server, but if it starts showing signs of degradation, then it might be time for an upgrade or a fresh installation. Most companies will provide you with onboard technical support, but it’s still good practice to have some remote access through the Web for added convenience.
Monitoring
The Web server software you’re using to host your website will have built-in tools for monitoring different aspects of its operation. You should use these tools regularly to check for problems and alert you to any issues that might arise. For instance, if your site is experiencing a lot of server errors or downtime, then this might be cause for concern.
These tools might also flag issues that could arise from a hardware failure. For example, if your website is experiencing a lot of disk I/O errors, then this could be an indication that a hard drive is about to fail. In this case, you should replace the drive with a new one and restore the data you need from backup.
Firmware / BIOS
The firmware, or BIOS of your Dell server is what actually controls the hardware inside. When you initially set up your server you’ll have to enter the BIOS to configure the basic settings, such as the network interface and the hard drive configuration. After this, you can install the operating system and be left with only the occasionally tedious task of configuring the operating system’s settings.
Operating System
Most companies offering servers will include a basic level of software with the device, so you won’t have to worry about purchasing it separately. This will be an operating system, or OS, that is designed for use on servers. For the most part, you’ll only need to configure the storage devices and networks as directed by the provided documentation and then you can leave the rest to the OS.
Databases
Dell offers a wide variety of professional services for your database needs, including hosting, installation and maintenance. Just as with the operating system, you’ll have to configure the databases as directed, but after this it’s all up to you and your staff to maintain them and use them wisely.
Security
This is always a key consideration with any server, but especially those that store financial or other highly sensitive information. One of the primary ways hackers got access to sensitive data in the past was through servers, so it’s fair to say this area requires a bit of a security overhaul if you want to prevent information leaks and maintain data integrity.
A dedicated malware scanner and firewall are a must, as are measures to ensure that only specific people are able to access the device. Additionally, it’s essential that users are prevented from installing unapproved or pirated software on your server. Once you implement these steps you’ll find that even if your server is compromised it won’t be of much use to anyone else but you.
Monitoring Bandwidth Usage
Whether your site traffic is growing or waning, it’s always a good idea to monitor your server’s bandwidth usage to ensure you’re not exceeding the limits set by your Internet service provider. The best way to do this is with a tool called Bandwidth Shaper, which is a free program available for download from the Web. Once you’ve downloaded and installed it on your server, you can use the Bandwidth Shaper tool to monitor bandwidth usage, set bandwidth limits and create usage graphs for later reference.
Managing Your Server’s Temperature
It’s important to keep your Dell server room at a constant and comfortable temperature, especially if you’re going to be hosting a lot of websites with the device. This is why it’s essential you install a reliable air conditioner in your room and ensure it’s always running at the correct temperature. If you leave it on for too long, then it will become ineffective at cooling your room and you could find yourself with an overrun cooling bill.
Regular Cleaning
It’s best practice to clean your Dell server regularly, which can be done with a mixture of vinegar and water. After this cleaning process, you can wipe the device down with a dry cloth and let it air dry. This makes it ideal for hosting websites and online stores that frequently receive a lot of footfall and attract the kind of dirt and grime that can cause infections.
Maintenance
Once you’ve got your Dell server up and running and generating revenue, you’ll need to consider doing a bit of maintenance to ensure it keeps chugging along. For this you’ll need to focus on a couple of key areas – the hard drive and the operating system. In terms of the hard drive, you’ll need to check for errors and ensure it is the correct size and formatted according to the instructions. It’s also worth setting aside some time to do a proper upgrade, which can be a tricky process, especially if you’re doing it all by yourself. Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10, for example, might require you to do a clean install and lose all your data, which is why it’s preferable to do this kind of maintenance when you’re on a clean slate.
As for the operating system, it’s always a good idea to do a regular backup and then install all the updates provided by the software manufacturers. While you’re at it, you might also consider turning on incremental backups to ensure you always have a recent copy of the operating system.
As mentioned before, these items should be done regularly to ensure you’re always ready to go whenever disaster strikes.
Summary
Dell and other device manufacturers go above and beyond to create reliable and durable servers, which makes them absolutely perfect for use as a website or online store. Regularly performing backups and keeping up with firmware and software updates will help ensure your investment continues to pay off.