We are converting our formal living room into a library with desks. Each desk will have a computer. Is it smarter to have them all on one server or have multiple towers and network them? The units will be 1) for my work and 2) & 3) for my young kids (whom I will want to supervise access on the internet closely).
We’re going with desk tops over laptops for upgrade-ability and I want them were I can see them. I admit to not knowing much about one option over another, any and all advice is welcome.
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a server in your case would only benefit you by centralizing all of your data (music, movies, documents, etc) and to act as a print server if needed. if you are still going to have 3 towers you can dedicate one of the PCs as a “server”.
A home server is just a central storage device that can be used to store all your important documents and files, music, movies, and pictures on it so that if your [work] computer breaks down, you can use the [kids] computer to access your work and still finish it in time to meet a deadline. Basically, a home server removes the necessity of using CDs or USB drives to transfer your documents to another computer in your house, as they will not physically *need* to move. A home server can also be used to share a printer, so you only need to buy one printer that can be shared instead of two or three individual printers. You can use multiple printers on the same server though, so if you *want* to use two or three different printers, you can do that also (for example, a color printer for work, and a B&W for the kids).
Also, some home servers come with bundled software that lets to connect to your home server over the internet, therefore eliminating the need for USB drives and CDs all together. Be careful when accessing your server from a public computer, as public computers are NOT secure, potentially allowing spyware, viruses, or hackers into your server. If you are careful though, you shouldn’t have problems.
You will still have to buy separate towers in order to connect to the server. Unfortunately, a home server does not eliminate the box and screen that you are accustomed to seeing and interacting with.
Also, on a side note, you can simply turn one of your existing tower PCs *into* a home server by enabling “file printer and sharing.” This will allow you to get the exact same results without buying a dedicated home server. For more information about “file and printer sharing,” search the [Yahoo Answers] database or look it up in an online search engine.
Laptops can connect to the home network also, so it’s not just restricted to tower PCs.
NOTE: In order for a home server (or converted tower PC) to do it’s job, it needs to be turned on when accessing your files or printing a document (assuming you use it for those purposes). Generally, a home server is left on 24 hours-a-day, and occasionally put in a “low power” mode at night, or when leaving on vacation…. This could lead to potentially higher electricity bills, but if you are careful, it shouldn’t jump too much.
Bottom line: for ease-of-use, it would be better to have some form of central storage, whether it be a purchased home server or an old PC turned into a home server.
GOOD LUCK!