XC Cube as a server

aaronspromotions · #1 (**permalink**) 18-09-2008, 14:09

We brought a XC Cube PC when we started the business just over 3 years ago and when we brought it we were told it could be used as a server. We are running XP Professional OEM software and the PC is 1.7Ghz with 512mb Ram. We want to be able to access the PC and emails via the internet.

What I want to know is were we told the right information about it being able to be used as a server and secondly what software if any we would need?

Thanks in advance.

Ian
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openmind · #2 (**permalink**) 18-09-2008, 14:12

Hmm I wouldn't

It might work but it will be horribly slow. Is this for private internal use only or for public access? For the latter I would have suggested using Windows Server instead of XP would be better but you also have to consider the connection to the outside world. Even if you have a super fast Broadband line, your ISP will most likely throttle you (not literally, the connection speed) as most ISPs don't allow this sort of usage.

Considering the very low cost of VPS/Dedicated boxes these days you would be better leasing one in a data centre and then connecting to it from your office...

aaronspromotions · #3 (**permalink**) 18-09-2008, 14:23

Hi

Thanks for your thoughts, what are VPS/Dedicated boxes?

Regards

Ian

openmind · #4 (**permalink**) 18-09-2008, 14:35

Well a VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a chunk of space on a dedicated server. You share the server with other VPS users but have full control over your share:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_server

Cost effective but you are sharing the server.

Your own dedicated server is your to use alone and not shared with anyone else:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dedicated_server

aaronspromotions · #5 (**permalink**) 18-09-2008, 14:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by openmind

Hmm I wouldn't

It might work but it will be horribly slow. Is this for private internal use only or for public access? For the latter I would have suggested using Windows Server instead of XP would be better but you also have to consider the connection to the outside world. Even if you have a super fast Broadband line, your ISP will most likely throttle you (not literally, the connection speed) as most ISPs don't allow this sort of usage.

This would be mainly for me so I can access the work computer when I am not in the office i.e. at the weekend or evenings and I fancy doing some extra work or if I am out on the road and need to check my emails.

So even if I brought Windows Server software it still wouldn't be ideal?

openmind · #6 (**permalink**) 18-09-2008, 15:13

Well if thats all you want to do you would be better off looking at this:

https://www.gotomypc.com

It allows you to access your computer remotely...

consultant · #7 (**permalink**) 18-09-2008, 20:37

"We want to be able to access the PC"
You should attach to the specific PC via gotomypc or a flavour of VNC. If you only want files, then set up a file server!

"and emails via the internet"
How do you manage emails at the moment? You could set it up as a email server!

You could even set it up to do both and more!

You need to be more specific on what you want to acheive!!!

BTW, it is powerful enoughto do most server duties!

aaronspromotions · #8 (**permalink**) 19-09-2008, 08:38

Thanks to everyone that has responsed and passed on some advice. I have registered with www.logmein.com and got that working so I can access the pc remotely, similar to www.gotomypc.com

I think for the time being I will leave it at that as for 95% of the time it is only me that needs to access the computer at the office or when I am out, maybe a little while down the road when we get some office staff we will be looking into this again.

Once again thanks to everyone that responsed!

Cheers