Server Noob

[Keven Maynard]

I have a HP Proliant ML350 server at work which is just sitting there unplugged and with nothing attached to it. Where do I start? We want to run Windows Server 2008 and an ADSL connection, with about 30 laptops connected wirelessly.

Any help is appreciated.

[Johan Guldmyr · Accepted solution]

Welcome Keven :)

What do you want to do with it?

First should be to make sure it works.

Hook up a monitor, keyboard and burn a smartstart CD. Then you can boot on that CD and run diagnostics on the server.

There are different generations (indicated with a G and a number, like G2, G3, G4, first generation has no).

You may not run the latest smartstart on the first G of the ML350.

See here for downloads:

http://h20180.www2.hp.com/apps/Lookup?h_pagetype=s-001&h_client=S-A-R163-1&h_page=hpcom〈=en&cc=us&h_lang=en&h_product=12169&h_cc=us&h_query=ml350&x=0&y=0

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After this is checked and no errors seen, you should upgrade the firmware on the server.
Download the HP Firmware Maintenance DVD.

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Windows you can install with the smartstart CD and the operating system CD.

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Should this share internet as well to the laptops via the wireless?
Does it have two Ethernet interfaces?
You will need an access point. A switch would probably be a good idea as well.

[Michael A. McKenney]

What is your budget? Do you have a firewall and ASDL router? Do you have wireless access points wired? How large is your office? What performance do you want to each laptop?

1 Gbps can get 18 x 54 Mbps connections from a Wireless Access Point. You will need two of them at least. It depends on the size of the building and how much steel is between the users.

[Keven Maynard]

Its a G5. The laptops will connect to the internet through it wirelessly. Its on a government budget.I have some pics attached. thanks for the replies.

[Johan Guldmyr]

Ok looks nice :-)

Do you have any more specific questions?

[Keven Maynard]

Could someone explain the use of each of the components in the picture. Sorry if its not clear enough.

[Johan Guldmyr]

Yeah, it's not clear enough.

Maybe you can get a better one and make red circles of the components you have questions about??