CHAPTER 2: Setting Up Your Server

Setting up the hardware

To make sure that your working environment is safe:

•Use a clean, dry, flat, stable surface for your server. Allow at least 6 inches at the back of the server for cabling and air circulation.

•Use the instructions on your server’s setup poster to set up your hardware.

Caution

Your server comes with 3-wire AC power cords fitted with the correct plug style for your region. If this plug does not match the connector on your surge protector, UPS, or wall outlet, do not attempt to modify the plug in any way. Use a surge protector, UPS, or wall outlet that is appropriate for the supplied AC power cords.

•Use a grounded (three-prong) surge protector. A surge protector helps protect against AC power fluctuations. For additional protection from power outages, we recommend that you use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

•Avoid subjecting your server to extreme temperature changes. Do not expose your server to direct sunlight, heating ducts, or other heat-generating objects. Damage caused by extreme temperatures is not covered by your warranty. As a general rule, your server is safest at temperatures that are comfortable for you.

•Keep your server and magnetic media away from equipment that generates magnetic fields, such as unshielded stereo speakers. Strong magnetic fields can erase data on both diskettes and hard drives. Even a telephone placed too close to the server may cause interference.

Important

Keep the server boxes and packing material in case you need to ship the

server.

Protecting from power source problems

Surge protectors, line conditioners, and uninterruptible power supplies can help protect your server against power source problems.

Surge protectors

Caution

High voltages can enter your server through the power cord and the modem and network connections. Protect your server by using a surge protector. If you have a modem, use a surge protector that has the appropriate type of modem jack. During an electrical storm, unplug the surge protector and the modem and network cables.

During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your server can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or server damage. Protect your server and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your server.

When you purchase a surge protector:

•Make sure that the surge protector meets the appropriate product safety certification for your location, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

•Check the maximum amount of voltage the protector allows to pass through the line. The lower the voltage, the better the protection for your server.

•Check the energy absorption (dissipation) rating. The higher the energy absorption rating, the better the protection for your server.

Line conditioners

A line conditioner protects your server from the small fluctuations in voltage from an electrical supply. Most servers can handle this variation, called line noise, without problems. However, some electrical sources include more line noise than normal. Line noise can also be a problem if your server is located near, or shares a circuit with, a device that causes electromagnetic interference, such as a television or a motor.

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