Project: Major Server Upgrade

Well, it’s time for yet another upgrade to my home server. This time, however, my server is getting a major overhaul. Click the headline to see a list of everything I’ll being doing in order to complete this upgrade process:

Server Upgrade: Drobo

The Drobo from Data Robotics really is an amazing solution for data storage. In fact, I’ll go so far as to say that it may be the LAST solution you’ll EVER need for data storage. As you can see in the above video, the Drobo makes it incredibly easy to increase your hard disk capacity. When you run out of space on the Drobo, all you have to do is pop in a larger capacity hard drive and the unit takes care of the rest. Despite the $499 price point, I am really looking forward to getting one of this things for my server at home. I currently have a single terabyte drive connected to the server which I use to store and serve my media throughout my house. With hard disk prices as low as they are, the Drobo could prove to be a great investment, seeing as how it offers easy unlimited storage, with the keyword there being easy.

Click this articles title to see a demonstration of Drobo’s functionality by Geek Brief host Cali Lewis!

Project: Server Reconfiguration + iTunes Server

I recently realized that I could make my home network more efficient by adding my one terabyte hard disk drive to my server. Currently, my server has an external 700GB hard disk drive that is being used to store various media files and server them throughout my house. That drive is actually two hard disks connected in a RAID 5 configuration. However, I have also have a one terabyte hard disk drive that I use externally on my desktop. By adding that to the dual-bay external enclosure I use on my server, I could gain a lot more storage space there.

Click this articles title to find out more about this project.

Project: Server Upgrade (Updated)

I have a file and media server at home, and my connection speed to it is pretty crappy. I’m pretty sure that this is because our Linksys router is connected to its onboard ethernet port, which is fine for just surfing the web, but not for upload and/or downloading stuff to/from a server. That’s why I have decided to upgrade my server by getting and installing the Linksys Network Interface Card (shown above) from Newegg.com. It’s gigabit speed capability should pretty much solve my problem. I’ll post again after I’ve installed and tested it.

Check it out: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124120

Update:

The new NIC card has arrived, I have successfully installed, and it is working well. I documented this process so you can learn how to do this on your own.

Step 1.) Unbox the goods

Open the box and make sure everything needed is there. This includes the NIC itself, driver installation CD, and the installation manual.

Step 2.) Power down and unplug

Shut down your computer and unplug all cables that are connected to it, especially the power cable connected to the power supply.

Step 3.) Move computer to flat surface

In order to do this operation successfully, it is important that the computer be placed on a flat, clean surface. A tabletop is preferrable, but any clean surface will do. Rule of thumb: When dealing with computer components, you must stay away from anything that can produce static electricity. These devices can easily become inoperable if you touch them in the wrong place, or hold it in the worng way. So because careful and mind your surroundings.

Step 4.) Open the PC case

Once you open up the PC case, you will need to find an available PCI slot for the NIC card. PCI slots are the white slots, usually found closer to the bottom on the motherboard.

Step 5.) Install NIC card

Now you can remove the NIC card from its ant-static packaging and install it in the available PCI slot you found. To do so, you must align the gold pins at the bottom of the card with the port and push down, ensuring that it is properly held in place by the slot.

Step 6.) Rewire

Once the NIC card is installed, you can put the cover back on the PC case and connect all cables to their appropraite ports. However, you will now be connecting you network cable to your new NIC, not your motherboard.

Step 7.) Power On, Boot Up

Turn on your PC and boot into Windows. You will notice that you do not have Internet access just yet.

Step 8.) Install NIC driver

Grab the driver installtion disc and insert it into your optical (CD/DVD) drive. Follow the on-screen wizard to install the driver.

Congratulations! You are now connected to the internet!

Step 9.) Increase performance of NIC

If you would like your internet speed to be a bit faster, you can increase your NIC’s performance through Device Manager. To access Device Manager in Windows XP:

• click the start button
• Right click My Computer
• Select ‘Properties’
• Select ‘Hardware’ tab
• Click ‘Device Manager’

In Vista:

• Click start button
• Right Click ‘My Computer”
• Select ‘Properties’
• Click ‘Device Manager” under Tasks

Step 10.) Advanced Configurations

Once you’ve opened Device Manager:

• Expand the Network Adapters item
• Right click on your new NIC
• Select ‘Properties’
• Select ‘Advanced’ tab
• Select ‘Link Speed / Duplex Mode”
• Select ‘100Mbps/Full Duplex’
• Click Ok
• Close Device Manager

You should now notice increased performance from your new NIC!