Servers are sold where computers are sold. If you want help with setup, you should buy your servers from value added resellers (VARs). We don't recommend buying servers by mail order or directly from the manufacturer unless you know exactly what you want or will receive third-party guidance.

No matter where you buy, look for at least a year of onsite service and toll-free technical phone support, and a three-year parts-and-labor warranty.

Some vendors also offer "prefailure warranties" with servers that have monitoring devices to warn you of imminent crashes.

VARs
VARs normally have a high level of knowledge about setting up computer networks. While you can expect to pay about 10% extra for the service and advice of a VAR, you will receive onsite assistance to help set up the system and fix any problems that may arise -- well worth the premium you'll pay.

And not any VAR will do. Make sure the one you select has been certified in the type of network you intend to run and has had ample experience with servers.

The retail route?
You should avoid going the retail route when it comes to buying a server. For one thing, they don't sell enough servers as a rule to provide an adequate selection or worthwhile discounts. And even if they have what you want, you likely won't see much in the way of guidance from their salespeople.

With a purchase as important as a server, the adage is true: you get what you pay for.

Manufacturers
Buying direct from the manufacturer gives you the ability to configure the server just the way you want. However, you'll still need to make your own onsite arrangements to set up the equipment once it comes in. And guidance during selection is typically not available.