Server software installation questions....

h2009 · 15 Aug 2008 at 00:40

Hi there,
I've bought my first really rack server now (IBM 787971G) and now i'd like your advice on how to configure the software on the server.

What i would like help on is:
1) create a small ghost partition with the core software/drivers on it - which allows me to restore from it at any point (should i need to) before windows loads.
2) The windows installation - i still haven't decided on 2008 or 2003, but i think i'll go 2008.
3)Raid setup and how to do it correctly - server has 2x73gb SAS.
4) I would like to host my webpage from this, but i don't know the best way to do this - last time i done this was over 5 years ago.

Thank you

Teledude · 15 Aug 2008 at 08:52

Raid - Raid 1 for redundancy or Raid 0 if you don't care as much about your data.
Wouldn't bother with a small partition for sw/drivers as these should be on CD for quick install with the server. If its soley for webpage hosting might be better considering linux although if you must use Windows i'd go for 2003 and put IIS on after install - make sure you run the lockdown tool afterwards

J1nxy · 15 Aug 2008 at 09:22

I'd go for

RAID 1
20GB OS Drive
Remainder as Data

When it comes to installing/restoring use the IBM DVD which will have shipped with the box as that will configure the RAID, install the OS/Drivers and also add any management tools or agents. Don't bother with Ghost.

In terms of OS, 2008 or 2003 R2 would do, depends on what your licensed for...

Burnsy2023 · 15 Aug 2008 at 09:28

J1nxy said:
I'd go for

RAID 1
20GB OS Drive
Remainder as Data

When it comes to installing/restoring use the IBM DVD which will have shipped with the box as that will configure the RAID, install the OS/Drivers and also add any management tools or agents. Don't bother with Ghost.

In terms of OS, 2008 or 2003 R2 would do, depends on what your licensed for...

^^ This.

Did you get the server with an OS licence?

Burnsy

Daveybhoy · 15 Aug 2008 at 11:13

J1nxy said:
I'd go for

RAID 1
20GB OS Drive
Remainder as Data

When it comes to installing/restoring use the IBM DVD which will have shipped with the box as that will configure the RAID, install the OS/Drivers and also add any management tools or agents. Don't bother with Ghost.

In terms of OS, 2008 or 2003 R2 would do, depends on what your licensed for...

Pretty much the route I would take.

If its soley for webpage hosting might be better considering linux

If you're familiar with Linux then definitely look into it - if not, stick with what you're familiar with.

VeNT · 15 Aug 2008 at 11:19

totaly with the linux thing
theres a few things you CAN use but they DO take longer

J1nxy · 15 Aug 2008 at 12:15

But if you'd read his previous thread then you'd know that the main app going on here is a Windows based VoIP system.

Burnsy2023 · 15 Aug 2008 at 12:16

J1nxy said:
But if you'd read his previous thread then you'd know that the main app going on here is a Windows based VoIP system.

Oh of course, I didn't realise I was supposed to stalk every poster's thread I reply to

Burnsy

oddjob62 · 15 Aug 2008 at 12:37

Burnsy2023 said:
Oh of course, I dodn't realise I was supposed to stalk every poster's thread I reply to

Pshhh... some people just aren't willing to put the effort in

J1nxy · 15 Aug 2008 at 14:04

Burnsy2023 said:
Oh of course, I didn't realise I was supposed to stalk every poster's thread I reply to

Burnsy

Well it wasn't exactly aimed at you

but I must demand an explanation for not reading every post that he has ever made ever everywhere?????

VeNT · 15 Aug 2008 at 15:04

VM it tbh

h2009 · 15 Aug 2008 at 17:16

Thanks guys for your inputs.
I take it that ghost is no good these days?
What software/tool would i use to make a backup DVD for with the base system - should a complete reinstall be needed?

bigredshark · 15 Aug 2008 at 17:23

J1nxy said:
I'd go for

RAID 1
20GB OS Drive
Appropriate size drive for page file
Remainder as Data

When it comes to installing/restoring use the IBM DVD which will have shipped with the box as that will configure the RAID, install the OS/Drivers and also add any management tools or agents. Don't bother with Ghost.

In terms of OS, 2008 or 2003 R2 would do, depends on what your licensed for...

Better...

J1nxy · 15 Aug 2008 at 18:31

h2009 said:
Thanks guys for your inputs.
I take it that ghost is no good these days?
What software/tool would i use to make a backup DVD for with the base system - should a complete reinstall be needed?

Yes a complete re-install is much easier. You struggle as well getting the drivers into ghost to do what you want.

J1nxy · 15 Aug 2008 at 18:32

bigredshark said:
Better...

On a single raid 1 array with only 2 drives...marginal...

He'd be just as well sticking it on the same drive as the data as being the 1st thing in and setting it to a fixed size would mean no fragmentation anyway.