[K12OSN] Hardware questions

[Petre Scheie]

I suggest, if possible, getting more RAM; go to 4GB if you can. The rule of thumb for 
memory is 100MB per user,  With 20-25 users, you're already at or over the line, and 
that's not even counting some RAM for the basic OS stuff.  If going to 4GB breaks your 
budget, consider getting just two drives, instead of three, in a RAID1 (mirrored) 
configuration.  You won't have as much disk space, but that will only eventually, 
gradually become a problem; insufficient RAM will be a problem right from the start.  I 
would think you'd be able to get through a year with just two disks, and if they do 
start getting full, you can budget for additional or bigger disks next year.  After a 
year of use, the people in charge will understand the idea that the disks might be 
filling up.

Petre

Joe Augsburger wrote:
> I've been reading the list now for about two months ago; barely able to spell Linux but a couple of months ago I 'borrowed' a Dell computer out of one of my school's labs and installed K12LTSP on it and have it on my mostly Novell network. We've run a couple of thin clients at surprising speed with just this poor workstation-turned-server. Enough to 'prove' the concept and I've been given----very rare, here----$3000 to put a real Linux server into service. 
> 
> My question, since I've only got one chance to buy a decent server...what do these specs sound like to you folks who are more knowlegeable?
> 
>>From DAKTech computers (one of my state's preferred providers)
> 
> dual Xeon 2.4 Ghz with 533 fsb
> ultra 320 scsi (three, 36 gb Seagate drives)
> 2 gb RAM
> Intel SRCZRU Dual RAID controller
> Dual integrated Intel Pro 1000+
> 
> maybe add a fiber-optic NIC?
> 
> Will this serve 20-25 thin clients (mostly internet, word processing, etc) acceptably, and does anyone have experience with this type of RAID controller? I've read all the posts in the last two months or so and it seems that some difficulties exist with linux picking up some RAID controllers.
> 
> I appreciate any information you share.
> 
> Thanks,
> Joe Augsburger
> network admin
> Douglas County SD#15
> Days Creek, Oregon
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> K12OSN mailing list
> K12OSN at redhat.com
> https://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/k12osn
> For more info see <http://www.k12os.org>
>