subject: How To Configure Linux Mail Server? [print this page] One of the biggest benefits of utilizing a rack server is it takes a lot less physical space than a server that isn't optimized for a rack. A server that is not intended to go in a rack will often be in a tower format with a lot of wasted space within the system. Today, space in the data center can be very expensive. That is why it is unwise to use non-rack systems in the data center.
This also means it is possible to have over 6 feet worth of servers stacked upon one another. The design of the servers allow this to occur with no cooling and heating issues. Overall, this is the best practice to populate an information center with servers because this design tries to minimize the quantity of space used.
Another huge advantage of the rack server is that they are simple and fast to set up and remove. It will take no longer that 15 seconds to install or remove a server from the rails. Simply remove the power and any other cables from the back of the server. Then go towards the front of the server and pull the rack all the way out. At this point, it should be easy to remove the server from the rails.
It's also easy to place the server back on the rails too. Simply follow the directions in the owner's guide to reattach the server to the rails. This might be the most difficult part of the entire procedure. However, once a person has done this a number of times, it should be no problem to do this repeatedly
When utilizing a tower server, it's important to remove the cover in order to add and remove cards or memory. Oftentimes, it is necessary to remove screws, save them, after which put the screws back on. It can take quite a bit of time to do hardware server maintenance. That isn't the case using the rack server.
With a server that is racked, it is very easy to reconfigure. Simply unplug all the cables and then pull the rails forward so the server is in the aisle. It is not necessary to remove the server from the rails. Simply remove the top cover and then perform the maintenance. There is no need to remove the server from the rails under most circumstances.
One of the safety concerns when having a couple of servers is the computers will topple over in an earthquake. This is especially true with systems that are not rack mounted. It would be necessary to attach earthquake straps tightly so they don't fall over in the event of a large earthquake.
With a rack, the rack server is already safe. The rack is designed not to topple over in an earthquake. The servers are secure if the rails are screwed so they don't move. That is why it is generally much safer to work with racked equipment in areas prone to earthquakes.