Good day Guys.
I would appreciate your honest feedback on the best way to setup and run a server, for personal and business use. Imagine this was your vision, how would you do this with the below criteria and limited resources. Really nerd out here and think outside the box. Keep in mind I'm a novice with limited knowledge, but willing to try and learn.
Infrastructure and hardware available:
1) Uncapped unshaped Fibre 50Mb up and down (will add Fixed IP to package).
2) Spare PC, Intel i5, 3.2 Ghz, 12 Gb DRR3 1333 RAM, 80Gb storage. (Extra storage in another used PC available).
3) 2x Raspberry Pi4, 4Gb RAM, 16Gb flash storage.
4) 2x Raspberry Pi400, 4Gb RAM, 16Gb flash storage (Kids PC's)
5) 4 TB External WD Storage.
6) Printer, to be used as a network printer.
Software needs:
1) I read that Linux OS is best for a server, ie. Ubuntu Server with GUI (what is the best option here, as it needs to use as little resources as possible)
2) Microsoft software, as corporately and in school MS is used and taught (How can this be economically achieved, as MS packages can get/be expensive. Nowadays MS 365 is a yearly subscription, don't know if it can be used for my requirements.)
3) Internet security software against hackers, viruses, malware, etc.
4) Internet blocking and filtering software IE. PiHole or similar.
5) Software to access and manage the server remotely from another PC and Cellphone.
What I need/want to achieve:
1) To keep the hardware required as small as possible.
2) As the server will run 24/7, to keep the running costs as low as possible.
3) A home + business server which I can have control over, not an ISP.
4) Server must host my company website.
5) Server must host a NPO website.
6) Must be a NAS and own Cloud storage for personal and business files, with some form of RAID setup and backup function.
7) Kids must be able to access the server for Microsoft software and files. I don't want them to have local storage, so that I can backup their private and school work.
8) Network (POE?) switch and CAT 5/6 cabling for the house, that will handle 12 devices? Or a WiFi setup, eg. AP and how many? I read that there can be network issues / interference if they are to close to each other. I prefer the minimalist approach and don't want anyone to fiddle with equipment/hack it easily.
9) The ability to integrate a SMART home system later on, without having to start all over again with hardware, software and great expense.
Now I know this is asking a lot. Searching for answers on the net, is confusing, not sure what the best route is to follow. So, if it is a better option, please point me in the direction of specific websites / YouTube channels that can take me through, step by step, to accomplish what I need.
Looking forward to your constructive feedback.
Regards.
Ace4Eva
I would appreciate your honest feedback on the best way to setup and run a server, for personal and business use. Imagine this was your vision, how would you do this with the below criteria and limited resources. Really nerd out here and think outside the box. Keep in mind I'm a novice with limited knowledge, but willing to try and learn.
Infrastructure and hardware available:
1) Uncapped unshaped Fibre 50Mb up and down (will add Fixed IP to package).
2) Spare PC, Intel i5, 3.2 Ghz, 12 Gb DRR3 1333 RAM, 80Gb storage. (Extra storage in another used PC available).
3) 2x Raspberry Pi4, 4Gb RAM, 16Gb flash storage.
4) 2x Raspberry Pi400, 4Gb RAM, 16Gb flash storage (Kids PC's)
5) 4 TB External WD Storage.
6) Printer, to be used as a network printer.
Software needs:
1) I read that Linux OS is best for a server, ie. Ubuntu Server with GUI (what is the best option here, as it needs to use as little resources as possible)
2) Microsoft software, as corporately and in school MS is used and taught (How can this be economically achieved, as MS packages can get/be expensive. Nowadays MS 365 is a yearly subscription, don't know if it can be used for my requirements.)
3) Internet security software against hackers, viruses, malware, etc.
4) Internet blocking and filtering software IE. PiHole or similar.
5) Software to access and manage the server remotely from another PC and Cellphone.
What I need/want to achieve:
1) To keep the hardware required as small as possible.
2) As the server will run 24/7, to keep the running costs as low as possible.
3) A home + business server which I can have control over, not an ISP.
4) Server must host my company website.
5) Server must host a NPO website.
6) Must be a NAS and own Cloud storage for personal and business files, with some form of RAID setup and backup function.
7) Kids must be able to access the server for Microsoft software and files. I don't want them to have local storage, so that I can backup their private and school work.
8) Network (POE?) switch and CAT 5/6 cabling for the house, that will handle 12 devices? Or a WiFi setup, eg. AP and how many? I read that there can be network issues / interference if they are to close to each other. I prefer the minimalist approach and don't want anyone to fiddle with equipment/hack it easily.
9) The ability to integrate a SMART home system later on, without having to start all over again with hardware, software and great expense.
Now I know this is asking a lot. Searching for answers on the net, is confusing, not sure what the best route is to follow. So, if it is a better option, please point me in the direction of specific websites / YouTube channels that can take me through, step by step, to accomplish what I need.
Looking forward to your constructive feedback.
Regards.
Ace4Eva
