Hi:

I'm not on a server and would like to consider it for the future.

In some learning I get that a server is a computer to run one or more services as a host on a network. I read some about Apache as I am not familiar with it or any other HTTP Server-

I have gone here to learn what Google has provided in searches. I don't feel like enough evidence is being provided for me to obtain a better understanding as to the who, what, where, when and why about servers to use it to run a business in the future-

http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/w...def_apache.htm
http://www.apache.org/foundation/faq...s-apache-about
http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/...rver_cost.html
The cost here is in pounds but I can look that up-
http://www.startups.co.uk/how-much-w...rver-cost.html
http://www.startups.co.uk/what-to-lo...-a-server.html

I found that there are Web Servers, Proxy Servers, FTP Servers and Servers specifically for online gaming.

How would I know what kind of Server to use to provide me with the essentials I need to operate a business?

In order to be on a server is the fee considered expensive or does that depend on the circumstances of the individual's needs?

Would I need to purchase another Desktop or Laptop for this server?

Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks in advance-

A physical (HW) server is indeed 'a server is a computer to run one or more services as a host on a network'.
However each SW 'service' is also know as a server eg Apache is an HTTP server/service.
IOW 'server' has more than one meaning

Its a very good idea to have a dedicated server box that is not also a client wkstn.

For a business, it depends what services you need to run; it's entirely your choice.

Likely options include (but not limited to)

1. mail
2. centralised file storage, thus simplifying backups/restores.
3. http if you want to host your own (externally visible) website and/or eg an intranet website for internal docs, wikis etc.
NB: for security, it may be best to have the external website on a separate box
4. you may want a DB for eg accts, HR, invoicing etc; usually with an http front-end

etc etc...

If you want paid phone support, you could go RHEL. If you can do your own support, try Centos (free rebuild of RHEL)
This (RHEL/Centos) is a long term distro http://www.redhat.com/security/updates/errata/


The point is what do you want to do with it?

You may also want to have it hosted for you, rather than at your own office.

Understood; Apache is a HTTP server/service got it-

I'll look into a server box for a client workstation (taking your word for it) because I'm don't know much about a workstation- But; that's what Google is for-

Not sure what kind of data base for acct's (I would need or establish)but having a lot of clients/customers could get interesting.

I'm glad that Centos is a free re-build of RHEL and a long term distro-
I'll give Centos a go. Not sure if I will have it hosted or not but if it involves fees that could be hard on a ' new business' owner just getting their feet wet-

Think it best that I Google some more with the information you gave me and read some more to get better acquainted with all that's involved.

Thanks for explaining and helping me Chrism...got a better understanding now-

Glad I could help.
If you're having an internal server only, you may(?) be able to handle it, but securing a publicly available website/server is a serious undertaking see eg the Security forum.

This site a has a lot(!) of free-to-read books/manuals www.linuxtopia.org.

I take that very serious as I would be running my own business and don't want any surprises!
Thanks for the linuxtopia website I'll learn what I can before I even get started-

un-Spawn taught me well about Security so I have that down.

Thanks Chrism!

He's the man alright

Yep; he sure is!

Have a good weekend!