A wireless connection is adequate for serving
a few computers, but in most cases, a wired connection (Fast Ethernet or
Gigabit Ethernet) is a much better choice.
Monitor If the server will simply be running somewhere convenient (rather
than being used for other computing tasks, such as running applications),
all you need is an old monitor capable of displaying the bootup and login
screens for the operating system. After that, you can turn the monitor off
until you need to restart or configure the server.
Keyboard and mouse Like the monitor, the keyboard and mouse can be
basic devices, because you??™ll need to use them only for booting and configuring
the server.
?—?
?—?
?—?
?—?
?—?
?—?
?—?
note
146 Part II: Intermediate
CD-ROM drive Your server needs a CD-ROM drive only if you??™ll use
the server for ripping. If you??™ll rip on the clients, the server can get by
without one.
Sound card Your server needs a sound card only if you??™ll use it for playing
music or other media files.
Reliability Your server may be modest, but it must be reliable??”otherwise
the files won??™t be available when you want to play them. Make sure also that
the server has plenty of cooling, and configure its power settings so that it
doesn??™t go to sleep.
Location If you choose to leave your server running all the time, locate it
somewhere safe. To keep down the noise, you may be tempted to hide the
server away in a closet.
Pages:
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198