Toshiba is a Japanese company that was formed in the 1930s. It is mostly known for manufacturing semiconductors, laptops, and consumer electronics, but Toshiba servers for networks were available in the late 1990s until 2005.

The Magnia server is a compact appliance server that runs Linux and is administered through a web browser. It was discontinued in 2005. Around the same time, Toshiba marketed the M-series server line, which was a low-priced, entry level server for small- and medium-sized businesses.

Toshiba computer servers are no longer marketed to the United States, but Toshiba still makes some specialty servers, including:

1. The Toshiba Digital Media Server, a DVD and TiVo recorder and player with high capacity storage;

2. The On-Air Max, a line of video servers used by broadcasting stations;

3. The Surveillix series, an Internet Protocol (IP) camera digital video recorder server with RAID features that supports IP cameras.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy Toshiba servers for specialty uses

Current Toshiba Surveillix, On-Air Max, and Digital Media servers can be found at online and local retail outlets. The On-Air Max is a line of servers used primarily by broadcast stations. Toshiba Surveillix servers are used with IP cameras for retail and industrial surveillance and security. The Toshiba Digital Media Server is a consumer DVD and TiVo recorder/player that stores up to 140 hours of audio/video recording and allows for easy transfers of camcorder recordings.

I recommend: Get information from Toshiba about purchasing the On-Air Max. Toshiba Surveillix servers are available at CDW. The Toshiba Digital Media Server can be found at Office Depot .

Find used and refurbished Toshiba Magnia servers

The Toshiba Magnia server was discontinued in 2005. It's a compact appliance server popular among Linux users for it's ease of setup, durability and multi-functionality.

I recommend: CompuAmerica and PCConnection offer a wide selection of Magnia servers.

Get support for Toshiba computer servers

When you purchase a used, discontinued server, you'll need to find reliable sources of information and support for setting up and troubleshooting the unit.

I recommend: The Toshiba Server Information Database offers Magnia server support, including documentation and downloads. FixYa is another source for Toshiba server information, troubleshooting and repair.

Upgrade and repair Toshiba business servers

While used Toshiba Magnia and M-series servers are hard to find, memory and other upgrades are not. Create a more powerful server with memory upgrades.

I recommend: Find used Toshiba parts at MyTradeMaster. PCHub, PC Memory Store and Fabrik's SimpleTech provide memory modules for Magnia and M-series Toshiba servers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find out about warranty and return options before purchasing Toshiba server hardware from an online retailer. The company may offer a short warranty period or no warranty at all. Find out the requirements for returning the unit if it doesn't function. You may be liable for the cost of shipping and a restocking fee.