I've created this draft list of needs and wants which is far from final or complete. Also due to my limited knowledge I don't even know if some of it is possible.
So making the assumption that I have all the software, where it exists, to do the following I was hoping to find out what sort of minimum hardware requirements I would be looking at?
I would not like recommendations for specific models, just a specifications yardstick to use when I start shopping.
I would like to add that this will be rack mounted, connected to one or two FibreCat SX80s via 4Gb Fibre and will be for home use - traffic will be extremely low.
Need
- Have a Secure Network - I know this seems obvious but it's a primary concern and I am willing to devote hardware to network security.
- Create a Central Storage Location for Devices on Home network
- Run a Media Server
- Have a place to install and learn how to use MSDN Software
- Have a tool for heavy lifting when the laptop is unsuitable
- Have a tool to work from remotely with my phone as the display and input device
Want
- Record, pause and serve up Television programs
- Host a couple of very low traffic websites
- Always on VoIP
- To make a USB only Printer / Multifunction device available to any device on the Network
- To make a USB only Scanner available to any device on the network
Thank you!
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In case you
really think a specific model would be suitable for the task please don't recommend it unless you have read the following.
I do not need any recommendations for specific models because with my budget as tight as it is I am unlikely to be buying anything new and the huge selection of items and wildly varying prices (even on the same part) in the used market means searching for a specific product makes little sense. Especially when there may be a used product that meets my needs, exceeds the recommended models specification and is available at a much lower price.
However if you have read all this and still want to make a recommendation for a specific model then my primary concern when going through the possible candidates is cost (initial and long term), then noise.
I know rack servers are noisy - especially 1U versions - and this isn't a problem for me. However if the only difference between 2 servers that offer similar features and performance (whatever the size) is the amount of noise they produce then I would like the one that sounds a little less like a jet taking off.
