What's the Best Server for Home Use?

vrmlguy writes "I've seen recent posts about low-power, off-grid computing and about small systems, but neither quite captures the object of my desire. I'm looking for the ideal LAMP-based server for home use. Cost of ownership (though not TCO!) is one of my primary concerns, followed closely by reliability. Here's my idea of the perfect server. The software requirements are easy. I want to run Slash, WIKI and/or blogging software that I and my family can access worldwide. The system should be able to keep up with requests coming in via DSL or cable-modem, but doesn't need to withstand slashdotting. There are Linux-based systems available for under $200, which appeal to me as a low-cost base. I would want to add at least one additional disk for OS-level RAID. Also, since this is a server, it will need to be available 24x7, which could run up my electric bill. Therefore, I'm willing to spend a bit more for something that supports a 'napping' mode that can, say, spin down the disks and slow down the CPU, but still respond to web-page requests. Are there systems available that do what I need at a price I can afford?"

Comments

Mini ITX

[e8johan]

I'm running a mini-itx at work. They consume less than 40 watts (not counting the HDDs) and can manage without active (fan) cooling. Also, they are small and have network integrated.

You don't want a server...

[Raetsel]

You want a laptop!

1. Get something a couple years old
2. Load the OS and software
3. Pull the optical drive and replace it with your mirror HD
4. set up software RAID

A laptop sounds almost ideal for your use -- low power (the powerbricks usually draw 70 to 100 watts), and they include a sleep mode for the CPU / disks / screen / etc. As an added bonus, they're quite compact and include their own keyboard, mouse, screen, and speakers! A nice little 3Com 10-base ethernet card (if the unit doesn't come with ethernet built-in), and you're all set.

I'm a big fan of IBM ThinkPads. A nice, small (5 pounds or so) ThinkPad 600X (P-III/500, 256 MB, 20 GB, 1024x768 (XGA?), DVD reader) should sell on Ebay for about $600. Also, it's quiet! (That's important if this thing is going to live in an apartment.)

If that price is a bit high, step a little further back. The P-IIs get REALLY cheap ($200 range, though you give up memory and HD size too), and if you find something with an 800x600 screen it will be a lot less. (Unless it's a 'palmtop'.)

If you're in New England, check out Kaplan Computers in Manchester, CT. If you're in the Pacific Northwest, check out Boeing Surplus or RePC -- both have stores (in | near) Kent. If you aren't near any of these, sorry, I can't suggest anything other than (shudder) eBay.

get a notebook with a dead screen/keyboard

[blastedtokyo]

A portable machine draws the least power. There are plenty of people who wreck their screens which completely kills the resale value of the laptop. While you can get decent deals at Ebay, you'd probably have better luck in less technical forums (like a neighborhood classified or local university paper) where people just want to get $5 and forget about their costly accident.

Use VNC or a temporary external monitor/keyboard to configure the machine then tuck it away in a closet or under your desk or somewhere else you can forget about it.

skip the RAID

[Clover_Kicker]

As most other posters have commented, an old P90 or something will do what you need. Don't bother with RAID, just stick in a second hard drive and tar up any important files to the second HD every night.

$ uname
OpenBSD
$ mount
/dev/wd0a on / type ffs (local)
/dev/wd0g on /home type ffs (NFS exported, local)
/dev/wd0e on /tmp type ffs (local)
/dev/wd0f on /usr type ffs (local)
/dev/wd0d on /var type ffs (local)
/dev/wd1b on /mnt/backup type ffs (local)
$ cat /etc/daily.local
#!/bin/sh
# daily backup

rm /mnt/backup/`date "+%a"`.tgz

#backup kernel config, /etc and /home
#do not backup the MP3s or pr0n
#only generate a list of files to feed to tar
tar cfz /mnt/backup/`date "+%a"`.tgz \
` find /home /etc /var /usr/src/sys/arch/i386/conf/ -type f -print \
| egrep -v "^(/home/samba/mp3|/home/clover/pr0n)"`

Re:skip the RAID

[pete-classic]

Instead of using tar consider using rsync. You can easily exclude files and you will get MUCH faster backups, especially on an old, slow box.

This has the added advantage of being able to simply cp files back over if need be.

-Peter

Re:This is easy.

[Hard_Code]

Indead. I just gave a new lease on life to my girlfriends seriously underused p100 32mb ram ibm pc350 desktop. I was pleasantly surprised how well it runs: apache + php + mysql + sendmail + imaps + ssh. Take 5 minutes to create a free dyndns.org account and you are set. Installing Linux on it was a bitch though because it had a really old flaky NE2000 10mb/s card. Although, you could see the reduced bandwidth as a good thing.

Low power server: look at Via mini-ITX

[shoppa]

The Via mini-ITX form factor, while mainly targeted at home entertainment-type applications, also makes a really spiffy server. Very low power consumption and the fact that several of the ITX power supplies will run directly from 12V is appealing.

My current DNS, mail, and web server is 11.5" x 2.5" x 10.75" and draws about 20 watts. It's based on the VIA C3 EPIA motherboard. The only downside for your use is that there's only room for one hard drive inside this tiny case. But it's cheap (less than $200) and as the power input is 12V, I use two paralleled gel-cells for a UPS. (That way I can swap out one battery for maintenance without interrupting anything.) My DSL router also runs off 12V. Linux installed very easily.

There's a similar VIA-CPU based low power motherboard for a little less money that draws so little power that there's no CPU fan. For reliability this may be a good choice as it reduces the number of moving parts.

If you insist on room for two hard drives, see these cases.

Re:Server on DSL or Cable?

[NoahsMyBro]

I have a similar, low-interest/low bandwidth server running over my DSL line in my basement.

I chose SPEAKEASY as my ISP specifically because their TOS explicitly allows the operation of servers, provided the bandwidth consumption isn't excessive and you aren't running child-porn servers or other illegal activities.

Mitel Networks SME Server 5.5 (was: eSmith)

[ivi]

This puppy works and, for those who need it,
is very easy to install, configure & operate

It's just that simple... ;-)

Re:Spinning down disks - bad

[Mr Z]

Actually, no. If a hard-drive is going to fail, it's most likely going to fail in a power-down/power-up cycle. Just like lights are most likely to burn out when you turn them on.

Hard drives that are on 24/7 wear down, the bearings get warm, etc. You shut them off, everything cools, and in some cases, seize. Basically, before any scheduled power-cycle on a machine that's 'always on', back up its drives. Plan on at least a few pct of your drives dying in a site-wide 'reboot' like that. (We see that here whenever they do a site-wide power down.)

--Joe