[K12OSN] Server Quest

[admin at bookpeople.com]

Ken,

A LSTP environment *can* be managed with minimal equipment.  We (the 
bookstore I work for) just started one and our current node count is 4 
.  Our kernel/xserver uses an AMD 1.8 proc with 512 RAM.  I'll be the 
first to admit that it doesn't scream, but it gets the job done with 
icewm window manager (Gnome was really slow).  I didn't have a budget to 
work with; only a pile of "anchors" that were planned for recycling. 

Ditto to everything that Tom and Steve have said:  Get RAM! and a larger 
FSB will help your processor utilize the RAM.  Processors:  if you can 
get a multi-proc system, do it!  If you get a *newer* p4, check to see 
if it supports hyper-threading (HT):  current Linux kernels will support 
HT (*automatically* will notice it on the OS install).  Otherwise, yes, 
you can find older dual and quad proc boxes for *cheap*.

A word on Dell:
  I live in Austin, TX;  I like to support Dell;   I come across Dell 
hardware often;  it's good stuff and most of it is easily recognized 
Linux.   BUT, don't plan on piecing your system with Dell components 
unless you do some serious hardware research.  That is, I just got done 
with my(personal) dual proc xeon and it's be a struggle all the way.  I 
got a poweredge 1600 motherboard on ebay cheap (supports 604 sockets).  
The board wouldn't fit into *any* case; the board was 12x13" (std atx, 
but most *cheap* cases aren't that big, or offer no room besides).  The 
mb tray wouldn't fit in the case, and the mb mounting points are not all 
in the std locate (only has four of *ten* screws holding it to the 
inside of the case).  The back face plate wasn't std, so i had to custom 
fab one.  the fan connectors on the mb are *special* and only accepting 
a Dell fan (read more mods). 
--point is, buy the whole box, not pieces!  I could have saved myself a 
lot of grief if I wasn't so tight with the $.
-my 2c

Best Regards,
-David Neimeyer
Bookpeople
Austin,TX

ps.  This is my first post, so, Hello All!

Ken Johnson wrote:

>I am looking for a server to support a 10 node K12LTSP network (that
>may be larger in the future).
>
>Since budget is a consideration, I am looking on EBay for a
>"previously loved" Dell Server.
>
>I plan on at least a gig of RAM, 2 If I can afford it. (is this enough?)
>
>I think I need SCSI (am I correct?) I have seen some servers that have
>SCSI drives ranging in size from 9 to 36 gig. Would 9 be enough? Seems
>a little small.
>
>I have never worked with SCSI drives.What pifalls are there? Budget
>does not permit making a mistake, I need to get a server that will
>work with K!2LTSP.
>
>Some have 3 drives and RAID- will this work with k12LTSP? Do I need this?
>
>Some require rack mounting (never done that either)- should I avoid
>those? The server will be placed in the same room as the workstations.
>Do I have to mount it on a rack? (Budget and Space are
>considerations.)
>
>Any advice would be appreciated.
>
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