For some, they understand that I.T. is not just an accessory but a major component of their business operation, and for others, their thinking is always “… as long as it works and must be cheap cost-effective…”

No matter the size of the company, eventually there will be a time when the customer needs a server for their central file storage and/or central backup purpose. At this moment, the “higher budget” customer will only want the best and most up-to-date server and the most cost-conscious will want some other alternatives.

One of the most frequently asked question is “Can I use one of my PC to be a server?”

To answer this question, we need to ask, “What really is a server?”

Essentially, a server is a machine that is specifically designed to store, manage, send, receive and process data. Their external outlook of a server may look physically similar to most PCs, but their hardware specifications are optimised to suit their role in reading and processing data. As such, they have several advantages over normal PCs.

Using your PC to act as server may serve the initial purpose of file sharing, but with an actual server hardware, there are numerous advantages residing over the normal PCs.

The main advantages are:-

Tougher data protection

Using servers to host hardware resources such as printers and file systems, you get central access control to all your network assets. Security is definitely enhanced when you back up your data centrally. Think about it, it is definitely easier to back up all the data from a server, rather than go around all the PCs and backing up each and individual PCs data.

Enhanced Reliabilty

Servers incorporate heavy-duty mechanical components such as disk drives and fans that provide higher reliability when compared to regular computers.

Connectivity

All servers include robust network connections. This allows them to handle large amounts of data, ensuring a smoother flow of traffic for the client PCs.

Scalability

Servers are built to scale along with your business.

Essentially it means that at any time, you can always expand your server’s ability to support your data and traffic even as your employee and customer base grows.

Reduced administration and cost

With the server as your central resource controller, it is easier to support and maintain all the resources, be it those that reside in the server or those that are connected to the client PCs. Cost is reduced also since there is lesser duplication of hardware.

Overall, servers offers tremendous amount of advantages over regular PCs, both in terms of hardware features and functionality. Though there is a slightly higher initial cost, you tend to save more in terms of reduced downtime and increased productivity in the long run.

For more enquiries regarding servers, please feel free to contact us.

With Windows Vista newer encryption method, these older OSes or File System will not understand Vista and therefore the user is not allowed to access the NAS. The solution is to force Windows Vista to use the older encryption method in order to provide the backward compatibility with your NAS. In order to do so, you’ll need to modify the system registry. Do note that improperly modifying the system registry can be harmful to your system and may even render your system totally useless. Please take great care when following the steps here. 

For Users of Windows Vista Home Basic and Home Premium

The steps for doing so are as such:-

1. Click start
2. Type: regedit
3. Press enter
4. In the left, expand these folders: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\
5. In the left, click on the folder named: Lsa
6. In the right, double-click “LmCompatibilityLevel”
7. Type the number 1 and press enter
8. Restart your computer

Changing the LMCompatibilityLevel using Registry Edit (Regedit)

For Users of Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate 

1. Click Start
2. Click Control Panel
3. Click System and Maintenance
4. Click Administrative Tools
5. Double-Click Local Security Policy
6. In the left pane, click the triangle next to Local Policy
7. In the left pane, click Security Options
8. In the right pane near the bottom, double-click “Network security: LAN manager authentication level”
9. Click the drop-down box, and click “Send LM & NTLM – use NTLMv2 session security if negotiated”
10. Click OK

Navigating the Local Security Policy for Windows Vista

Changing the NTLM Session Security

“… how did they managed to work till today …”

“… how did they managed to work till today …”

“… how did they managed to work till today …”

“… how did they managed to work till today …”

No, it’s not that I’m not paying attention to what they are saying. No, I do not have any doubt in their business acumen and no, I do not have any doubt in the working efficiencies of the management and staffs.

I just do not understand how are they able to work with multiple copies of probably the same data, and may be a few revised one which no one knows who is holding the latest copy, how that they are able to collaborate just via email and probably thumb drive transfer of data, and worst, who is actually doing the backup of the data?

When I express my doubts and my questions to them, few of them will be looking at each other for a short while, and then some will start to explain how their system works and at this very moment, another staff will look very surprised and say “No… I thought you are doing it the other way…” and so forth.

At this very moment, everybody begin to look even more surprised and some starts to panic and asked “What happened to our system??”

The fact is, probably there is nothing wrong with the system, it’s just that they might be outdated in today’s fast-moving business pace, and probably they are not using correct technology to harness the power of todays’ business technology.

Sometimes, a simple solution to them is to get a server. That’s it.

So, when is it for you to get a server?

Well, for a basic thumb of rule, you can consider getting a server when the following conditions are applied to your office:-

• You have two or more computers in your business that you need to connect.
• You need to save money by sharing equipment and resources such as printers, fax machines, and Internet connectivity.
• You need to protect business information and your network from unauthorized users.
• You need a reliable process to back up information.
• You need to access company information and resources while away from the office.
• You need to store, access, and share information in one central location.
• You need to manage different versions of files.
• You need to easily schedule group meetings and communicate efficiently with colleagues.
• You need a tool to share ideas and information with your colleagues.
• You need to present a professional image and manage your customer relationships more effectively.

If you happen to meet any one of the above conditions, you can start planning to get one then. Contrary to popular myths, getting a server does not need to break an arm or leg. Feel free to contact us for your non-obligatory consultation and we’ll be able to assist you further.