How to Build Your Very Own File Server

Every office that generates large amounts of data needs a file server so that users can access it all from a central location. The sole purpose of a file server is to provide the users on the network with files. Additionally, file servers can also provide data to other users over the internet via a website or FTP service. A file server is nothing but a simple computer with ample storage space, running a server operating system and configured with data backup or synchronizing software. The hardware is usually designed using special purpose processors, RAM, motherboards, hard drives, power supply units and cabinets so the server is able to be powered on 24x7. So they have to be rugged and efficiently cooled too.

The main component of a server is the storage space, but using a single spacious hard drive will not serve the purpose. The drives should also be highly efficient in terms of speed, should have a large volume, and last but not the least, they should be secure enough to keep your data safe. Hence, they are usually configured in RAID, where multiple hard drives are deployed to ensure speed and safety during data transfers. Hard drives can be configured in RAID using different modes— RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 or 01. While RAID 0 is considered the fastest as it uses the data striping feature, RAID 1 is the safest as it uses data mirroring. but both have their advantages and disadvantages. RAID 5, 10 and 01 are combinations, which uses both striping and mirroring to form fast and safe storage. We will show you how to configure a simple file server which uses RAID 0 or RAID 1 using two SATA hard drives and an old computer. You can also use multiple hard drives to form a RAID 5, 10 or 01 volume.

Note: To create a RAID volume, the hard drives must be of the same type, speed and capacity, otherwise the one with the lesser of these features will bring down the efficiency of the entire group.  A file server is usually untouched, except for maintenance such as application installation, user configuration or fixing breakdowns. You can build your own server and leave it behind a desk, in a loft or hidden inside a cabinet, but the place it's set up in should be spacious, well ventilated and easily accessible for maintenance. The monitor, keyboard and mouse can be disconnected until required.  

Requirements

Any old desktop computer. A Pentium 4 or higher is preferable.
Two or more similar SATA hard drives.
2 GB RAM should be enough, unless you have more to spare.
A PCI SATA RAID card, unless your motherboard features built-in RAID.

An operating system. A server edition is highly recommended if there are many users accessing it.

Let’s begin. Open and clean the old computer thoroughly and ensure a dust-free interior for efficient cooling. Install a PCI SATA RAID card into a vacant PCI expansion slot and screw it in place, unless your motherboard features an onboard RAID controller. Install the two (or more) hard drives in the respective bays and connect the necessary cables (data and power). Confirm that all cables are neatly tied and tucked away from the cooling fans and ducts to ensure proper air circulation. Once done, your hardware is ready to become a server.

Now is the time to install the operating system, but before this, you will need to configure the hard drives in RAID. If your motherboard features RAID, then simply go to the BIOS setup and configure the two hard drives in RAID 0 or 1 and exit.

If you are using a PCI RAID card, then you will have to press the necessary keys displayed on the screen while the system is starting up to enter the card’s BIOS. Here again, configure the hard drives in RAID and save the settings. You’re finally done configuring the hardware. If you want a secure storage system, use the RAID 1 configuration, and if speed is the requirement, go for RAID 0.

Note: Hard drives in RAID 0 will allow the total combined capacity to be used while RAID 1 offers half the combined storage space. For Example: RAID 0: 80 GB + 80 GB = 160 GB and RAID 1: 80 GB + 80 GB = 80 GB.