depends on the workload of the server (or servers, it is always a good idea to dedicate machines to specific roles) get a brandname server like Dell, HP, IBM or Sun.

the workload depends on the server OS, amount and load of the services and amount of users and data

I totally agree with DimaYasny... it completely depends on what you're going to have the server doing, and what sort of volume load you're expecting it to handle.

Brand name is always a plus, if even just to know you have an 800 number to call if/when something goes a-miss. I personally run IBM server, and LOVE them. They're all about 10 years old and still running strong.

Hope that helps!

sun servers or dell servers are pretty cheap but you do you need straight line speed or do you want multiplue process runing at once?

for example if your running a database behind the website with multiple request from users then straight line speed isnt needed and a mutli core processor will better suit your needs and could run multiple requests at once.

Also how much do you want to spend?? its all about the money lol!!!!

Good points... it really is all about the money. With that in mind, you might also investigate getting ahold of a multi-core CPU'd PC to use as a server. In a lot of cases, a "non-server" PC can perform just as well as, if not better than, a "server" for a LOT less money. Basically, you're not paying for redundancy. However, you can get a lot of the same features in a plain-Jane PC (RAID, high-speed HD's, tons of memory, multi-core processing) that you can in a server. And if something does fail, it's a LOT cheaper to fix than a "server".

We run Fedora 7 as our server platform, including our LAMP setup and MySQL database. It's true, we do run this stuff on what would be considered a "server", but the fact is, it would run just as well as a server on non-server hardware. We just happened to have a small group of old server hardware available.

Good luck!

From what I understand, you want a server to: Store Files, Web Serving, and FTP.

That to me sounds low grade server, or a mid-grade workstation with an server class operating system.

I would recommend for this

Core2Duo (For smaller appications a Xeon is overkill)
1-3gb of Ram (Unless you want 64bit, then 4gb)
At least a 74gb Scsi Disk or, if possible, a 320gb sata drive.
Look for Windows Server 200X (Not 2000) [x = 3,5, or 8]
Gigabit ethernet

If you are wanting somthing with a little more kick for a server:

Xeon (2.4ghz +)
4gb of ECC ram
You WILL need a 64bit copy of Server 2008
2x 74gb Scsi Disk (in mirror raid)
Dual Gigabit Ethernet
Name brand Server (Dell, HP, Sun)

For networking:

I would recommend a Cisco 2126XM, but you will need a CCNA to operate it.
HP 24-port networking switch, ^ for use with that Cisco Router

-or-

Linksys Buissness Grade Router
Linksys 8 to 16port Gigabit switch

I manage server servers, and I am in my MCSE and CCNA training, if you have any questions, or need spefic models.
Good luck, my friend
-Keith

I have recently set up a whole cluster of very high end (Dell PE6800) servers with a very expensive storage rack attached to them, only for file serving, web and ftp.

I thought we were talking about providing services, not running applications

so a 64bit system can't run on 2Gb of RAM?

74? and this is supposed to be a file server? OR sata? do you know the difference?
and who, in 2008, will buy SCSI anyway?

never heard of windows 2005, please enlighten me

to serve files to the web - no need for that.

why?

and no mention of a proper raid controller. and SCSI again...

why dual?


not really. all you need to do is know what you want it to do and learn the IOS syntax. or get it set up once, and leave it to run.

why not a cisco switch?


sorry mate, sounds like you need to finish those studies first

(final)
OK Smart-alick, I made 1 typo.

If you would like to waste your money, or your employer's more power to you.
Ohhh, an expensive rack? That makes you PRO!


1. FTP and HTTP ARE services, you have an MCSE, you should know this.
2. NO a 64bit system CANNOT run 2gb of ram UNLESS it is enabled in the processor, (he said NEWBIE server, so use NEWBIE advice)
3. Scsi is your HIGH data flow, like databases, note the 10k or 15k speed. Sata is a serial connection. 7.2k
4. Typo, mybad
5. GIGABIT is expandable, 10/100 is NOT, he also said NETWORK SERVER! (Expandability)
6. Raid is for BACKUP and DATA redudancy, so you do what you want if you want your data lost.
6A. A name brand server HAS a raid controller in it, if not Adaptec.
7. LOAD BALANCING, for those IT people who like there server to be accessible! (expandability)
8. Because, its not a GUI and he doesnt know the syntax, and maybe he doesn't want to learn it.
9. Because HP has a LIFETIME warrenty on there 24's and Cisco switches are not need unless you VLAN
10. A cerfication is a peice of paper, it means what it took to get it...nothing, I must-likely know more than you already, at least I don't act like a HOT shot and correcting people's posts.



Finally.
If you had payed attention to what he said, he was helping out his buddy's dad, do you think he has a million dollar budget? I can't just don't understand some people, and your one of them. We are trying to help someone, not bicker over who has more than the other. if you gonna be a pesimest, go find somewhere else to do it. THIS IS A COMMUNITY NOT A DEBATE! You need some training for your many degrees in COLLABERATION. Try a psychology major.

If you want more, please do not be afraid to ask.

For the RivitLikeWhoa, I would hesitate to take advice from DimaYasny, because he obviously wants to fight in the fourm, instead of helping you.

You clearly have no idea what you're talking about.

Original Statment
Please define your statement for me, so that I can merit it.

After Editing

Reasons I say this :
32bit CPU's will not run 64 bit code without AMD 64bit or EM64
2048 will run with 64bit enabled

Please do not correct me without a probable reason.