Having your own computer server doesn’t have to be limited to the realms of large businesses. With the right applications and services, anyone can have the benefits of a secure computing environment, without the massive costs that come with renting dedicated server hardware.
The key to making this happen is to consider your needs and constraints. Do you have the space for a dedicated server? How much computing power do you need? What kind of security do you require? What else do you need from an IT support standpoint?
These are all valid questions, and they should all be considered before making a decision. Once you have the answers to these questions, you can move forward to decide what kind of server software you need to run your business and what type of hosting services you need to look into.
The Basics
Having your own server doesn’t mean that you have to run Microsoft Windows Server or anything related to it. You can absolutely use any desktop operating system you want to run on your server, as long as it’s compatible with Windows Server. Additionally, you don’t need to limit yourself to a static IP address either. You can always get a dynamic IP address from your internet service provider so that your server’s IP address will always be changing. This makes it harder for hackers to track you down.
A server makes your business more mobile. You can access your server from anywhere at any time, using any smartphone, tablet, or computer. This is especially useful if you are a one-person shop and don’t have a full-time IT person to help you keep your business online.
Security
A common question related to having your own computer server is: “Will my server be protected from hackers?” The answer to this is: “Yes, but you also need to take action to secure it.”
There are a few basic things you can do to make sure your server is as safe as possible. The first and most important thing is to keep your operating system and all other installed software up-to-date. It is also advisable to install a firewall on your server and ensure that it is enabled and has all the appropriate settings. You should consider upgrading your server’s hardware too, since it will make a difference in how hard hackers try to gain access to it. Additionally, keep your systems locked down with biometric security, so that only certain people can access them.
Dedicated IP
One of the most important things to consider when setting up your computer server is whether or not you want to limit yourself to a fixed IP address. A dedicated IP address is a permanent IP address that you lease from your internet service provider. This means that all of your internet traffic is routed through this specific IP address, which prevents any possible DNS attacks or issues when trying to connect to other websites. You can also ask your ISP for a dynamic IP address, which will always change whenever you connect to the internet. This is also referred to as a “floating IP” or “Dynamic DNS”.
Dedicated IPs can be acquired for a yearly fee from your ISPs. This is usually done via a dedicated IP pool, which makes it easier for your ISP to provide you with a dedicated IP address. Consider getting a dedicated IP if you are running a site that gets a lot of traffic, or if you are just generally interested in having a secure and private place to store your important documents and data. Once you have your own dedicated IP address, you can deploy a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt all of your traffic, so that no one can track your activity online (or offline, for that matter). You might also want to look into getting a Virtual Private Server (VPS), which is essentially a dedicated server that is hosted by a reputable IT service provider. This is generally a more cost-effective option compared to buying your own hardware, and it also removes a lot of the hassle that is associated with setting up a fully-functioning server yourself. When choosing a VPN provider, make sure that they have good customer service, and that their encryption algorithms are up-to-date so that your data is as secure as possible. If you believe that your business is at risk of being compromised, then it might be time to reconsider your decision to run a server.
Managing Your Server
To help you get the most out of your computer server, you need to know how to efficiently manage it. For this, you can use a cloud-based IT service, which will provide you with all the necessary tools and features you need to keep your server up and running smoothly. Doing so yourself may be challenging, especially if you are not technically inclined. Setting up a cloud-based IT department may seem like overkill, but it will free up time that you can use to focus on growing your business rather than spending it fixing problems that are caused by an incompetent IT department.
Efficiency
One of the major concerns any business owner will have is making sure that their business is as efficient as possible. When it comes to running a computer server, there are numerous things you can do to optimize its performance. One thing you can do is install the latest updates for all of your hardware and software, as these will make a difference in how your server performs. Another important factor is maintaining a healthy dose of good balance between processing power and storage. If you go over your allocated storage space, then you will start hitting a limit on the amount of data that can be processed by your server. The same concept goes for the other way around: if your server is not allocated enough processing power, then its performance will be greatly diminished. To maximize the efficiency of your computer server, you have to strike a good balance between the two, which may mean investing in additional hardware.
Scaling
One of the most important things to consider when deciding to run a computer server is how you want it to scale. Do you want it to be small and compact, suitable for a home or small business environment, or do you want it to be large and powerful, suitable for a large enterprise?
The size of your computer server will be determined by your requirements and what kind of hardware you have available. If you have a one-person operation and don’t need to process a lot of data, then you may want to consider getting a small computer server, which will be more than adequate for your needs. Alternatively, if you are a business that needs to process a large amount of data, then you may want to invest in a large computer server that is able to take your business to the next level. The good news is that both options are very affordable. Additionally, you can always opt for hybrid solutions, which are a combination of the two. If you believe that your business will outgrow its current hardware in the near future, then it may be time to reconsider your decision to run a server.
Mobility
One of the major benefits of having your own computer server is that it allows you to access your files from anywhere. This is especially useful if you are on the go, as you can bring your computer server with you and access your files whenever you need them. Another important consideration is that your server is portable. You can take your server with you and set it up at remote locations, without needing to worry about connectivity issues. This is also referred to as “bring your own device (BYOD)”, as it allows you to use your own mobile device to access your data, instead of having to rely on WiFi or a mobile hotspot.
Depending on how you want to use your server, you may need to consider what type of hardware is suitable for the task. For example, if you want to use it for remote desktop services, then you may want to get one of those VPN-connected computers to access your server from anywhere. This will be helpful if you need to access your files while working remotely (such as from home, or during a meeting). Alternatively, if you want to use your server as a file and print server, then you may want to get one of those all-in-ones that has a built-in scanner and fax machine. This makes it easier for business owners to do their paperwork from anywhere. If you want the absolute best mobility, then you should look into investing in a wireless keyboard and mouse, so that you can move freely throughout your home or office while working, without having to worry about cables getting in the way.