advice on buying A web server

[kool-Aid]

Hey guys, I just got the approval here at work to buy a web server mostly for streaming flv's, but I would like it to do most everything. Does anyone have any recomandations on hardware/software that I would need. I know that I will need a large hard drive, but that's about the extent of my knoledge. Sorry I am so ignorant on this. All advice will bve greatly appreicted.

:)

[evride]

if you have a high bandwidth connection at work i would buy a server to run in-house so you can modify it yourself. you can install extra software (some hosts wont let u install any software at all). also you could probably save more money by hosting the site yourself cause you dont have to pay hundred or more dollars a month for a dedicated server which is probably what you would need.


limitations by some hosts include:
processing use (CPU work)
hard drive space
traffic use
programs
file types (code languages)
email accounts

[Benaravo]

Really depends on the bandwidth usage you're going to be having.

Unless you're looking at a very high bandwidth usage, you don't really need to worry about CPUs, possibly RAM, as some of the applications are quite demanding.

Are you looking at using a Microsoft or Linux based system? I personally would recomend MS if you are firmiliar with it already - The support for both ASP.Net and PHP could be an advantage if you're a large company.