Servers handle a lot of the behind-the-scenes work for businesses. They store and process data, host applications and websites, manage emails, and handle remote access for employees. Due to the value servers provide businesses like yours, it is important to properly configure your server to ensure maximum efficiency, security, and reliability.

However, for those without a background in IT, the idea of configuring a server can be daunting and overwhelming. After all, there are several settings and options that can greatly affect your server’s performance. To simplify server configuration for business owners, we have put together a guide covering the basics and essential steps to setting up a server.

Key considerations before configuring your server

Before diving into server configurations, take into account these key factors :

  • Purpose of your server: The first step in configuring your server is to understand its purpose. There are various types of servers, including file servers, email servers, web servers, and database servers. Each type may require specific configurations for optimal performance.
  • Server location: Is the server located on your premises or hosted in the cloud? Where it’s located will affect its physical and network configuration.
  • Company size and growth: If you’re a small business just starting out, your server needs will be modest. However, if you expect significant growth, you should opt for a server with room to handle an increase in workload, traffic, and storage demands.
  • Types of applications and software: Your server’s configuration will also depend on the types of applications and software you plan to run. Different applications will have specific server requirements, such as a certain operating system, processing power, storage, and memory.
  • Number of concurrent users: If you expect heavy user traffic, you’ll need a server that can handle large volumes of concurrent connections without slowing down or crashing.

How to set up and configure your server

Once you have a clear understanding of your server’s purpose and requirements, it’s time to start the configuration process. Here are some essential steps to follow:

Select and install a server operating system (OS)

A server OS is specifically designed to handle server tasks and comes with built-in features for security, performance monitoring, and remote desktop access. The most popular options include Windows Server and Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, and Red Hat). 

When choosing an OS, consider your familiarity with the system and its compatibility with your hardware and software components. Businesses with a diverse range of applications may prefer Linux, as it is more customizable, while those who primarily rely on Windows-based software such as Microsoft Exchange or SQL Server may choose Windows Server.

For the purposes of this guide, we’ll focus on Windows Server. Installing it requires you to do the following:

  1. Purchase a license for Windows Server.
  2. Download the Windows Server ISO file from the Microsoft website and create a bootable USB drive.
  3. Insert the USB into your server’s drive and turn on your server.
  4. Follow the prompts to install Windows onto your server, selecting the desired language, time zone, and partition options.
  5. Once the OS is installed, you’ll be prompted to create an administrator account and set up security measures such as a password and firewall settings.

Configure network settings

Your server’s network configuration is crucial for allowing remote access, sharing files and printers, and connecting to the internet. Two important elements you must set are:

IP (Internet Protocol) address

An IP address is a unique identifier for your server on a network. When configuring a server for business use, it’s crucial to assign a static IP address, meaning the server uses the same IP address every time it connects to the network. Doing so ensures that your server can always be accessed using the same address, making it easier to manage and maintain.

To assign a static IP address in Windows Server:

  1. Go to the OS control panel and navigate to the network and sharing center.
  2. In the Change adapter settings section, right-click on the network adapter you want to modify and select Properties.
  3. Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and select Use the following IP address where you can enter the static IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.
  4. Click on OK to save the changes.

DNS (Domain Name System) settings

IP addresses by themselves are too complex for people to remember and use when visiting websites or accessing server resources. DNS servers allow you to assign a domain name, such as www.xyzcompany.com, to your server’s IP address so that users can easily access it without having to remember a series of numbers.

To set up DNS on Windows Server, you’ll need to install the DNS server role, which will create a DNS zone on your server. Then, open the server manager, navigate to the DNS server role, and follow the prompts. From there, you can create your desired domain names and link them to the appropriate IP addresses. Note that the steps involved in setting up DNS may be highly technical, so you should seek the help of a professional if you don’t have experience with this process.

Create user accounts and permissions

The next step is to set up user accounts and permissions to control who has access to various parts of your server. Generally, access permissions will fall into two categories: 

  • Administrator accounts are the highest-level users with complete control over the server. The administrator can install software, manage user accounts, configure security settings, and troubleshoot system issues. Admin accounts should have stringent ways to authenticate user credentials (i.e., strong passwords and multifactor authentication) to prevent misuse of system-wide access privileges.
  • Regular user accounts are created for employees or users who need access to specific applications or data but don’t need full server control. For example, your finance team might need access to the accounting software on the server but not to other sensitive data. By limiting permissions, you protect your server from accidental changes or potential vulnerabilities.

Set up and configure firewall settings

Most servers come with a built-in firewall to prevent unauthorized access, but it must be configured correctly to provide maximum protection. In Windows Server’s built-in firewall, you can configure advanced security settings in the server manager. 

From there, you can create inbound or outbound network traffic rules by specifying which programs, ports, or IP addresses are allowed or blocked. You can also customize the rules based on traffic type or network profile (domain, private, or public). It’s crucial to regularly review and update these firewall rules to ensure they meet your current security needs and protect against new threats.

Install business applications

The next step is to install the applications your business relies on. For most businesses, this will typically include:

  • Database server software (e.g., Microsoft SQL Server) to store and manage client information
  • Email server software (e.g., Microsoft Exchange) to set up your company email
  • Web server software (e.g., Apache) to host your business website
  • Collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams) to facilitate team communication and productivity 

Implement backup and security measures

Data loss can be catastrophic for businesses, which is why backups are vital. Modern servers can automatically failover to redundant drives in the event of a hardware failure, but it’s still recommended to have additional backups in place. Cloud-based solutions, such as Microsoft Azure Backup or Amazon S3, offer secure and reliable options for backing up your server’s data. When backing up your data, make sure to:

  • Schedule automatic backups as frequently as necessary. Weekly backups are a good starting point, but for businesses with high data activity, daily or even hourly backups may be necessary.
  • Encrypt your backups for added security.
  • Test your backups regularly to ensure you can successfully restore data if needed.
  • Keep multiple copies of backups, including off-site or physical copies, in case of a disaster that affects your server and its primary backup location.
Related reading: Follow these essential data backup and recovery best practices

Aside from the simplified steps we’ve discussed, there are other technical aspects of setting up a server that may require the assistance of an IT professional, such as establishing network protocols and operating systems. If you want a more streamlined and stress-free setup, you should talk to the experts at Dynamic Solutions Group. Contact us today and let us handle the technical details of your server setup.