Technical Guide: How to set up a file server?

What is a file server?

Basically, a file server is a computer connected to the Internet for storing files, which provides shared access to multiple workstation computers. The file server cannot perform calculation tasks. This means they can't run the client program. In addition, file servers cannot provide dynamic content like web servers. And the file server can't be like the database server, that is, the former can't provide access to the shared database, and the latter can. The file server can provide access to static files from the intranet via the local intranet or through file transfer or hypertext transfer protocols (FTP and HTTP) via Windows or UNIX operating system protocols.

What can I do with a file server?

The original function of the file server is storage. For home users, a central storage location can increase overall computing efficiency and reduce overall computing costs. By putting all your important files in a single location, you don't have to worry about the different versions of the files you use, and you don't have to worry about wasting hard disk space because a large number of non-critical file copies are scattered across different systems. Back up the correct files on the correct backup media for your computer to ensure that each PC in your home has access to the appropriate files.

From a system manufacturer's point of view, a file server can also release various workstation computers from each hard drive, reducing overall hard drive expenses. With the rise of solid state drives (providing powerful performance at a high cost per GB), file servers can free workstations from the performance of ordinary hard drives, especially useful for netbooks and ultraportable notebooks, because these mobile computers are usually It can only hold one hard drive, so the small size of a solid state drive is usually ideal for mobile devices.

A dedicated file server allows every user in the family (whether they are at home or on the road) to access every file they need, regardless of the particular device they use at a specific time. . A dedicated file server allows users to share files with friends and collaborators by giving them a URL, a domain name and password, and specifying what they are accessing. For example, perhaps you want to share your child's photo at school with your family, but your cloud storage capabilities won't be able to accommodate all of these photos and other files you store on your cloud drive. Maybe you want to share sensitive information with your colleagues that you don't want to be uploaded to Amazon or other third-party servers, but the file is too large to send email. Maybe you only want to access the 200GB MP3 music library, but the hotel you live in can only meet the 600GB SSD netbook. These examples are just the tip of the iceberg to illustrate the usefulness of file servers.

This means that the file server is an option for all of these needs. You can put all your photos on the flash memory and give it to him the next time you see your family - but that means you have to do it every time you want to share more photos with your family - who Do you know if you can get your flash back? You can also hand over the engraved DVD-R to your colleagues -- but perhaps a 4GB DVD-R is simply not enough, and e-mail needs to take days like a snail. If you are on the go, you can carry a portable external hard drive that takes up space and may be stolen or lost. A file server is a simple and easy solution to all of these problems. Home file servers do not require enterprise-class hardware, and the price is affordable for home users. Moreover, the file server is still manufactured by energy-saving components and does not result in high electricity bills.

What do you need to consider when configuring a file server?

Since the original role of the file server is storage, this is also the most important aspect to consider. How much storage do you need? Do you want to share 50GB photos and digital images taken at one time? For example, 500GB of music? 2TB video DVD ISO etc? 30TB of media and work related hybrid files? At what speed will your storage needs grow? How can you easily extend your file server?

How easy do you manage your files? Unfortunately, many of the more powerful file server operating systems are not easy for non-IT personnel to operate. However, there are server operating systems on the market that can be easily navigated. How to recover your files in the event of a disaster? Putting your files on one computer is equivalent to putting all your eggs in the same basket, which is very risky. How to ensure security? Any resource on any type of network is at risk of being compromised. This guide answers all of these questions. It is primarily aimed at home users, so it is necessary to make some sacrifices in storage space, management capabilities, resiliency and security simplification, because home users are often unable to afford high costs or Professional level file server solution.

Why configure a file server to replace the use of network-associated storage devices?

In a nutshell, a network-associated storage device is a computer application tool designed to provide network access storage. Compared with a file server, a network-associated storage device usually provides a simpler management function (such as inserting and playing functions with a few mouse clicks), but often receives restrictions on proprietary software, and storage space is limited and cannot be like The extension is implemented like a dedicated file server. In addition, high-end network-associated storage devices that can accommodate a large number of hard drives as described in this guide are much more expensive than file servers. Finally, because their designs are usually only for one purpose, they are not as flexible as file servers, and basic workstations must be specified in a multi-system home. That said, although network-associated storage devices are beyond the scope of this guide, it's worth paying attention if you're not familiar with them.

This guide is different from the author's previous guides. It is not a specific system that is entangled in a specified price range that can perform a specific work task, but rather a choice of operating system and component types. How these different choices fit perfectly to solving different needs. In other words, you may need a lot of storage space, but you are not particularly concerned about backups. Or you don't need much storage space at all, but you want to use a very intuitive file server operating system. Match and mix these recommendations to match your needs, and hope that users can configure a file server that they are happy with.