Server is a computer hardware. You requires a file server if you need to keep and share your files or data in a central storage instead of individual desktop computer. Server is the core computer unit in a LAN or WAN network. All desktop computers require to share data or files on the server are connected to the server either through network cable or wireless devices.

What do you need to know if you want to buy a file server?

1. Purpose of file server. There are different versions of window server operating system. Buy one that serve your need.

 Comparison of Window Server 2003 editions
 Window Server 2008

2. Number of workstations connect to the file server. You require a server with higher processing power and higher capacity hard disk storage if the server need to connect to many workstations.

3. Volume of data or files to be stored in the file server. This is to determine the size of server hard disk.

4. Type of data or files stored in the server. If you are storing normal documents and non-critical data, an entry level server is sufficient. If your data or files are very important to you and you cannot afford to wait for IT technician to recover your data or files from back up storage, a high end server with duplex power supply, dual CPU and raid hard disk storage.