Topic: Recommended Hardware

[George]

I'm putting together a server package from Dell that will be running SME Server.  I have a $5,000 cap on expenditures for the server.  I would like to have RAID-5 and tape backup is not a requirement.  Any recommendations as to what would make an ideal system in the way of compatability with E-Smith?  The server will primarily be working as a file server.

Thanks for any recommendations!

[Kelvin]

Just curious, you want RAID-5 but no tape backup ? Is it because you think RAID-5 protection is sufficient or is it that you don't have critical data on your server.

Remember, RAID-5 won't help in the event of a fire, theft, natural or man made disaster that might affect your hardware or data. Plus, anything as simple as deleting an important file accidentally will cause you lo lose it forever, let alone viruses, etc.

Kelvin

[Paul]

How many clients will this file server be serving up and is it your basic data file or a lot of database entries?

Does it need to be a print server too?

How about a Gateway?

[George]

I explained this to them as well, however they really don't want to mess with tapes any longer...  I may eventually add it if they change their mind, which I figure they may after a couple of months or so.

[George]

Less than 20 clients (may grow, but not likely) and it is basic data files.  There also may be some very simple databases that they use, but the number of shared users would be between 2-5 probably.

It does not need to be a print server, however I would like to make it robust enough to do it if they would need to in the future.

It will not be a gateway.  They have another computer that will become their firewall and gateway.  I will be installing SME Server on it as well.  How robust is SME Server as a solid firewall?  I've been using it personally for over a year with no problems, but I'm not sure how tight it is by default.

[Graeme Fleming]

Well based on this info (user, db, etc) I'd be getting the most basic of servers (performance wise) and just concentrate on the robustness angle (Hotswap PSU, ECC RAM, RAID, etc).

If you can minimise the server cost to some extent you could also supply a second (perhaps s/h) box to act a a backup respository using SME & the Backup tool from Dungog.  You could locate the backup server physically as far away as is reasonable.

Never had any security probs with my server and it gets 2-3000 hits a week from all sorts of stuff (tho I run Snort/Acid to keep an eye on things).

Just be aware of the Samba issue surrounding Access database stuff if Access is one of the d/b candidates - search this forum for heaps of info plus pointers to upgrades.

[Steve Bush]

I have setup a Dell PE2600 with dual processors and Raid 5.
It's FAST!!! and has been running well since installation of 5.6b7 (upgraded to developer release).

There is an issue with the onboard gigabit nics that require you to manually get working...search the boards, but other than that it is rock solid....

fyi - I used the embedded Raid adapter and purchased an extra intel gigabit card.  I also used 3x73GB raid-5 drives and 1GB RAM.

It is used for file/print/email/internet, plus serving up a proprietary foxpro database for approx 20 users.

IMHO - I would never setup a server without a tape backup.  The minute the hardware fails, software corrupts data, or a fire/theft wipe it out, all fingers will be pointing to the guy who installed it.  Even if you they only backup once a week it's better than having to start from scratch...

[Boris]

For the load you’ve described any today's server will do just fine, including Celeron based. Pick the drives according your capacity needs and 256Mb of RAM. Tape backup and set of tapes is not an option; it is a must for the file server. You will be well below your budget with basic server, so consider spend some remain money on convenient backup program (TapeWare is an excellent choice), UPS and antivirus software perhaps.

[Doyle Glaze]

Beware of Dell servers. I have had 2 clients buy Dells that Dell has said that redhat will run and found that extra drivers and setup had to be done to work. I have had no problems with Gateway server and without any extra setups.