Toshiba Magnia SG10: A Little Server That Can

In a small, gray box no larger than a thick laptop, Toshiba has created an appliance server for users needing a network they can handle themselves.

The Magnia SG10, easy to install and maintain, is perfect for a small business, a school, or a high-tech home that needs to transfer files across platforms or to share a printer or an Internet connection.

The unit boasts a 350-MHz AMD K6 processor and 64MB of RAM. My $1499 shipping model contained two 10GB hard drives; a single-drive version costs $1289. The versatile SG10 also has an ethernet connection for high-speed Net access, a local network hub with seven ports, a 56-kbps modem, and a printer port.

The software is based on Red Hat's version of the Linux operating system, but it also supports Windows NT and 95 or later, and Mac OS 9 or later. Users handle setup and administration via a JavaScript-capable Web browser such as recent versions of Internet Explorer or Netscape. The server supports all common network services, including e-mail, FTP, intranet Web serving, print spooling, firewall filtering, and Web caching.

I had no trouble setting up the SG10 and using the included CD-ROM to configure computers on the network. Setup also creates shortcuts to administration Web pages where you can view reports; change settings; schedule backups; control the basic, easy-to-use firewall; and more. Some of the administration pages seemed slow, and I encountered occasional JavaScript errors in the browser.

The built-in intranet portal is basic but adequate. Wizards help you build a home page, a news page, event listings, a file directory, and a links database. Advanced users can add to or replace predefined Web documents. You can switch easily from DSL to dial-up, all without reentering your information--handy during ISP outages.

Overall, the Magnia SG10 is a solid server for people who need a small, easily managed network. Cobalt's competing Qube 3 offers slightly more expandability, but the SG10's compact size and built-in 10/100-mbps hub are appealing in this growing field.

SUMMARY

Magnia SG10 PRO: Small; feature-packed; easy to use; built-in 10/100-mbps hub. CON: Minor flaws in the administration interface. VALUE: A useful, inexpensive server you can manage yourself. List price: $1799 with 40GB of hard-drive space, $1499 with 20GB, $1289 with 10GB Toshiba 800/316-0920 www.shoptoshiba.com