Server/Requirements

Server installation and configuration
For a full tutorial on setting up a Minecraft server, please read the installation and configuration guide.

Server requirements
* Note: Linux users should avoid using OpenJDK 6 for server hosting, as it has been known to cause issues
 * Note that these requirements only apply to the Survival version of Minecraft, and not to the Classic version.
 * Requirements may change depending on the server software, such as using Bukkit and/or mods.
 * Java 6 JRE or newer is required for Minecraft Servers!
 * Only the JRE version is required, however, Java JDK will still work.
 * The more memory that your server has, the better. It is recommended to have at least 3 GB. That way, plenty of RAM is left over for the operating system, and you have the possibility of allocating more to the Minecraft server.
 * Minecraft servers, as of 1.1.0, can use multiple cores, so now they will not sit idle.
 * You can use CanIHostAMinecraftServer to get a rough idea how many players you can host.

Here is a simple recommendation to help you get started and/or help decide which hosting option is best for you:

Running a LAN Party type Server (since 1.3.2)

 * Note that these requirements are for the server only you will need to allocate more resources to the OS!

Running a Dedicated type Server
Please see Dedicated Server Requirements for more information.

Running a Server-grade Server
Please see Server-Grade Server Requirements for more information.