Need some computer help- got to buy a server

mj1angier

mj1angier

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We are moving to a new build soon and will be adding more computers to our network. We now have 9-10 workstations running Windows 10 with one of the acting as the "server" for our point of sale software. Our new place will have about 14 workstation. So I know I have to go to Windows server 2016. ( And before anyone starts down the "Get away from windows!!" reply, have to use it because of point of sale software support.)

Here are the specs for what POS is requiring: http://4a6lhh2v595r34sxnl2qx6hc-wpe...s/2017/05/Hardware-Requirements-Server-11.pdf

Can someone point me to a desktop (on ebay or otherwise) that will work? Would like to keep it below $1200.

And is this going to be plug and play like Windows 10 ( homegroup sets up most of the software)

And if there is anyone that is near Angier that wants to earn beer and ammo ( or cash) to do a side job setup...
 
Avoid desktops that are 'wanna be' servers. Are you using RAID for your storage?
Check out Dell, give them a call they can make some suggestions.
 
Do yourself a favor and do not skimp or go cheap on a server. You don't need to launch nukes with it, but source from a reputable vendor with real support.

The $500 you save today will cost many times that in general headaches and rework.

<------20 years of selling/supporting accounting/POS/inventory systems.
 
mj1angier said:
We are moving to a new build soon and will be adding more computers to our network. We now have 9-10 workstations running Windows 10 with one of the acting as the "server" for our point of sale software. Our new place will have about 14 workstation. So I know I have to go to Windows server 2016. ( And before anyone starts down the "Get away from windows!!" reply, have to use it because of point of sale software support.)

Here are the specs for what POS is requiring: http://4a6lhh2v595r34sxnl2qx6hc-wpe...s/2017/05/Hardware-Requirements-Server-11.pdf

Can someone point me to a desktop (on ebay or otherwise) that will work? Would like to keep it below $1200.

And is this going to be plug and play like Windows 10 ( homegroup sets up most of the software)

And if there is anyone that is near Angier that wants to earn beer and ammo ( or cash) to do a side job setup...
Click to expand...

im sitting here typing on an hp z400 that i use as a desktop - can be had cheap off ebay or craiglist if thats your choice.

im little more worried about your backup solution and availability more so than hardware- you dont HAVE to have raid - and honestly im not even a fan of raid - i use zfs . what are youre requirements for high availability and data storage/backup


other than the os those specs are pretty basic and should be fairly easy to find.
 
I highly recommend Intrex Computers. They built 2 computers for my biz eight years ago. Two weeks ago, one wouldn't power up.
They fixed it, under warranty, NO CHARGE, on an 8 year old computer!
I deal with the one in Winston-Salem. They also have locations in Ral, GBO, Cary, Durham/CH.
Good luck.
 
We use an off site back up service. It backs up the whole drive everyday.

RAID- we use it to kill flies and gnats... see I am two steps over a Luddite.
 
You can certainly drop some big bucks on a server if you want. Just for fun I built a custom server on DELL's web site. Had that sucker up to $20K. :D
If I was doing my own stand alone RF design consulting I'd do it. Need the horsepower.

I'm going to throw in a second vote for Intrex. I use them for service on my Dell mobile workstation and our home computers. Great service. Quite reasonable pricing. Fast service too. Had to update the cheap 220GB drives on my work station. China boss is a cheapo. Got a new 1TB SDD. The labor was <$100. No longer had to delete every EM sim file right away.
 
Yeah, went to Dell site and was over $3000 with the "smallest" server and did not get thru the choose list.

Looks like we are going to have less computers or I will need a cheaper way to this. $3000 buys a lot of medical equipment that will make money, not just a fancy way to keep up with book work and inventory
 
Assuming all computers need to connect t back to the server? What's stored there? Database or something else?
 
i have a couple of these - they work fine and are cheap
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Power...619128?hash=item362433f638:g:R9sAAOSwZB9Z71~o


the issue you are going to run into is obtaining a copy of the operating system - you can find used hardware cheap - but a licensed copy of windows and having it installed i cant help you with. do you have any options with your vendor in obtaining?

i can get you hardware - cheap. i cant get you windows.
 
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Offsite backup is a good thing, however if you loose a drive how long will it take you to restore to a new drive?
Can you afford to be offline for that long?
 
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