Server FAQ
Okay, so...why do I care?
Well, I figured it might be nice for everyone to know what goes into making these forums. Since I've made the decision to transition the Barracks away from Invision Power Board and onto my own system, people can get an idea of what makes something like this tick. When I get technical on the EGB Thread with other technical users, some people just go and get confused. So, whether you're techie or not, it's just a bit of info for your enjoyment, take it or leave it.
So this is your own server?
Yep. The server is in my home, and sits a few feet away from me. My home is located in New Jersey, just a couple hours away from the Newgrounds Headquarters in Pennsylvania. I'm working off my own Internet connection, so whenever you visit the page, you're connecting to my house.
What exactly is a server?
Simple. A server is just a computer set up to host, or "serve" something to other computers or devices, the clients. Most professional servers are really beefed-up computers with powerful processors, special error-correcting RAM, and fast hard drives. They'll have redundant parts to keep the machine running, such as two power supplies in case one dies. In this case, my server doesn't have special hardware. It's actually a Dell Inspiron 530 I bought for a really cheap price in 2008, and eventually beefed up with spare parts. I normally hate buying pre-built computers, but the machine was so cheap for the time, I couldn't pass it up.
So it's just a normal computer?
Well, I did upgrade it a bit to make it a bit more stable for server use. For example, I have the machine running on a UPS, which is basically a battery backup. So, if the power goes out, my server will keep running for another 20 minutes or so, and if the battery gets too low, it'll automatically shut down to make sure no data is lost. Also, I have bought and attached a drive enclosure to hold some backup drives, so I'll always have safe backups of all the information.
Does that mean I could make my own server?
Sure! Any computer becomes a server once it start serving out an application. You could even run a web page on your desktop if you set it up. Of course you'd have to keep your computer running 24 hours a day for people to be able to connect to it. Since my server is always running (except when there are issues or I'm working on it), you'll always have access to the forums.
Also, it should be noted that the big thing that makes my server capable of doing what it does is the Linux operating system.
Now what the hell is that?
Linux is an OS just like Microsoft Windows. It is an OS designed in the style of UNIX, which is a server operating system that's been around since the 70's. Linux was made for people to run their own UNIX-style servers, but on their own personal hardware, and with a certain amount of freedom. Also, unlike Windows, it's free to use! So, I get to run a server-grade OS on my own hardware for free! Specifically, the distribution of Linux I'm using is called Debian GNU/Linux. Like I said, it's free to use and modify as you wish, and it's located at http://www.debian.org.
Sounds complicated. Guess I'm not running a server.
To be honest, it is. Linux isn't easy to get used to, especially if you're not tech savvy. However, that's not to say you can't run a server on a Windows OS, such as Windows XP or Windows 7. The only thing to note is that Windows is meant to be user-friendly, and isn't as efficiently coded as Linux, so it runs slower and requires more system resources to work.
Really? How much
Well, for example, let's say you had a computer with 1GB of RAM. With Windows 7, you are basically able to start up the machine, load the Windows OS, and run a program or two in that 1GB. If you start to load more applications, you'll end up using virtual memory and slowing down your machine. So, you can't do much with your 1GB.
With Linux, however, I am able to run a fully-functional graphical interface just like Windows, plus a web server to host my web page and forums, a database for the forums, a Counter-Strike server, a Ventrilo server, an IRC server, a local file server for my network. I usually run in around 600MB of RAM. So I end up getting more out of my system with Linux than I could with Windows.
How much power does your machine have anyway?
Well, here are the specs:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz CPU
4GB DDR-800 RAM
500GB System Drive
750GB Data Drive
1.5TB Mirrored Backup Drive
Why so much storage?
I have a lot of stuff on the computer. I use it all the time inside and outside the network. Also, I back up all of the data on here every night, so I keep multiple copies of the files.
Does this thing have a name?
The name of the server is "delorean." More specifically, the full name is delorean.eagleworld.net. I chose the name because, well, I love Back to the Future. Also, these days, I tend to name my computers after people or things from my favorite movies.
Here's a question. Why did you bother doing this when you had Invision Power Boards to use?
I could answer that in many ways, but I have a few big reasons. First off, I do not like their service at all. Their forums are not as nice as other forum programs out there, and their servers are not too secure. Also, you can't get copies of your posts. They charge you $150 or so just to get a copy of all your posts if you want a backup.
And you can do better?
Well, I won't claim I can keep the server up 24 hours a day, but I can come close. My server usually is up and running for a month straight at a time. Usually I bring the server down for a reboot or some maintenance, but other than that, it's up and running. Also, my backup scheme is pretty strong. The server is backed up daily and can be restored from the snapshot of the previous day.
What happens if your server explodes?
First off, I'd be pretty scared, because I'm usually in the same room as the server... But in that case, the backups are in drive enclosure not tied to the machine. Also, above the system snapshot I take, I also get a backup of the forum database and it's configuration. So, even if Delorean exploded, I have the forum info to put on another server.
Now where the hell are you going to get another server?
Funny you should ask. It just so happens I have a backup server called dodgson. Yes, it's named after the same Dodgson from Jurassic Park and from this YTMND. I actually built it from spare parts after I upgraded my desktop. Here's the specs:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4Ghz CPU
2GB DDR-800 RAM
500GB Storage
Not as many bells-and-whistles, but plenty powerful to host the forums. Right now, I have it hooked up to the TV in my office to watch DVDs and downloaded movies, but since it also runs Linux, I can easily put the forums on it.
This is all in your office? What the hell does it look like?
Here's a pic of my server desk (click on it to expand it to full size):
Delorean is the Dell under the desk. Dodgson is sitting on top of the desk, under the TV. The backup RAID enclosure is the silver box to the right of Dodgson. I use the desk primarily for watching TV, but can use the TV as a monitor when necessary. I also use Delorean as a print server, so I have all my printers stashed on this desk as well.
This FAQ is getting boring. Is there anything else I need to know?
Not really. Just know that since this is just a desktop running in my home, it will have the occasional downtime. However, I will provide everyone with announcements so they know when I'm planning to work on it. Other than that, since I have full control over the forums, you should experience them to be pretty quick, easy to use, and much more secure than the other forums. Also, if you ever have any questions or suggestions about the forums, feel free to post them in the appropriate forum. Enjoy!