External HD as a Server? Bum-Cased Server?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of running a server from an external hard drive, including the possibility of loading an operating system and applications onto it. Participants also reference a concept of a very small server mentioned in a media program.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether it is possible to run a server exclusively from an external hard drive without additional hardware, suggesting that this is not feasible.
  • Another participant mentions that a server operating system could be loaded from an external drive into a machine that has the necessary hardware components.
  • A different viewpoint introduces the idea that small chips with flash RAM can function as web servers if connected to a network, citing an example of a friend attempting to use such a setup with an external hard drive.
  • It is noted that any machine equipped with a processor, memory, and network interface can serve as a web server, provided it is accessible through the network.
  • A participant expresses intent to use the external hard drive setup for running a dedicated Teamspeak and game server.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of running a server solely from an external hard drive, with some asserting it is not possible while others suggest it can be done with the right hardware configuration. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the initial question of feasibility.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the necessary hardware components for running a server and the specific configurations that may or may not work. The discussion does not clarify the limitations of using external drives in various server setups.

kurushio95
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i recently had the thought of running a server from an external hard drive. would that be possible? i.e., loading windows onto the HD, loading my programs and the like. possible?

also, i saw on Attack of the Show a while back (when it was still The Screen Savers) where they had a server so small they ran a website out of someone's bum. anyone know what that's called?
 
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Are you talking about running a server exclusively from a HD (without a processor or network card) or loading the server OS from an external drive into a machine? The first one is clearly not possible.
 
I've seen chips for sale with 10 megs of flash ram that could function as web servers if installed on a board with a network connector. I think they ran a version of linux. I have a friend that tried to hook one up in his house connected to a USB 300 GB drive to save the power needed to run a whole computer, I don't know if he ever got it working. (note to self, call Adam this weekend).
 
Pretty much any machine with a processor, memory and network interface can be a web server. If you have a portable device with these capabilities, as long as you can reach it through the network, you can have it serve web pages.
 
i was going to use it to run a dedicated Teamspeak and game server
 

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