Server Computer Configuration for an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Here is a quick question from one of our reader:

What sort of computer should you buy for an ISP? We need a computer for mailing, hosting customer sites and running games like Quake. We are small startup ISP.

For mailing and webhosting need you need to purchase a dedicated server. You can build one for yourself (a whitebox) or order from Dell and other vendors. A minimum suggested configuration:

Web server
=> Dual Intel XEON or AMD Dual core processor

=> RAID 5 1/2 TB disk space

=> 4 GB Ecc RAM

=> Linux or FreeBSD UNIX operating system
This web server can handle shared hosting load. You can use same configuration computer for mailing with anti spam and anti virus software.

For gaming you can get a Dual core Intel / AMD CPU with lods of RAM and fast hard disks.

Remember an ISP server mean lots of services such as a Firewall, Web, FTP, RADIUS server etc. You should also consider operating system and your own level of handling the same. You can also purchase 3rd party game and management control panel. Basically you need to do good research before making a final decision.