The Importance of Documentation

Whether you're building a server from the ground (motherboard) up or using a preconfigured server, you need to make sure you have all the documentation you can get for the hardware on board. At a minimum, this should include the following:

• The system or motherboard/BIOS manual

• The technical specifications for components such as the processor, memory, and add-on cards

• Additional documentation for system hardware, such as whitepapers, addenda, and so forth

You can usually download a PDF version if you don't have the original paper copy of this information or if you didn't receive detailed information with your system.

If you have problems with your system, especially after a hardware upgrade, you should check with the system or motherboard vendor to determine whether you need a BIOS upgrade.

You need to be sure to keep the original operating system license documents, including serial numbers, CDs, and so forth. If you need to reinstall or repair the operating system at some point, this information is vital.