# Choosing your server computer

> Academium Surepass Help › Setting up your school or centre
> For: Server Edition
> Web page: https://helpcenter.academium.com.ng/academium-surepass/article/sp-choosing-your-server-computer
> Last updated: 2026-10-06

The server computer holds your school's questions, students, tests and results, and every lab computer talks to it during an exam. Choose a computer that can stay switched on during school hours.

## Minimum requirements

| | Minimum | Recommended |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Operating system** | **Windows:** Windows 10 or Windows 11, **64-bit**; **Linux:** Ubuntu Server or Ubuntu Desktop, an **LTS** version | The same |
| **Memory (RAM)** | **8 GB** | **16 GB** |
| **Storage** | **256 GB** | **Two drives**: one for the system and Surepass, one for local backups. A solid-state drive (SSD) for the system. |

**Why an SSD?** Exams load faster and the server keeps up better when a whole lab submits at once. The server warns you if it is running on an older hard drive.

**Why two drives?** If backups are kept on the same drive as the system and that drive fails, you lose your school's records **and** their backups. With a second drive for backups, a failed system drive can be replaced and the school restored. See [Backing up and restoring](https://helpcenter.academium.com.ng/academium-surepass/article/sp-backing-up-and-restoring.md).

### Getting Windows for a Windows server

Use the **64-bit** version of Windows 11 or Windows 10, from Microsoft's official download pages:

- [Download Windows 11](https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11) (recommended)
- [Download Windows 10](https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10)

Windows needs a valid licence (product key). **Windows 11 is the better choice for a new server**: Microsoft no longer gives Windows 10 free security updates.

Need a Windows licence? **Academium Plus** sells genuine Microsoft licences. Contact Academium Plus or Academium support.

### Getting Ubuntu for a Linux server

Use an **LTS** (long-term support) version of Ubuntu. LTS versions receive security updates for years, which is what a school server needs.

- [Download Ubuntu Server](https://ubuntu.com/download/server)
- [Download Ubuntu Desktop](https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop)

Choose the version marked **LTS** on the download page.

> **Note:** **Need a server computer?** **Academium Plus** sells **preconfigured servers**: server computers that meet these requirements and come set up, ready for your school. Contact Academium Plus or Academium support.

## Where to put it

- Somewhere it can stay on, with a steady power supply. A UPS (battery backup) protects exams from power cuts.
- Connected to the school network **by cable**, not Wi-Fi.
- Where students cannot reach it.

## The school network

The server and every lab and staff computer must be on the **same school network**. If your school does not have one yet, or it is unreliable, contact **Academium Plus** or Academium support for a **free quote** to set one up.

If your school also runs an **Academium SMS** server, Surepass can run on its own computer or alongside SMS. When both run on your network, they share the job of looking after the network between them. See [Network and time](https://helpcenter.academium.com.ng/academium-surepass/article/sp-network-and-time.md).

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Need a server computer, a Windows licence, a school network or a computer lab? **Academium Plus**, from the same company as this product, supplies and sets them up, with a **free quote**: https://my.academium.com.ng/support