Topic: recommendation requested: new box for SME 8.0 (upgradeable to 9)

[mench]

Hi,
I've been using SME since it was called esmith, but I wouldn't consider myself an experienced user. I'm a computer science dropout, so I've got some UNIX knowledge, but it's very limited, and I dropped out in 1994.

Currently running SME Server 7.6, which has begun to act up and give us problems. I will heed the advice to upgrade to 8.0. I would like to have a backup system on hand and ready to plug in, so I've decided to purchase a new box. I've seen the recommended hardware requirements on http://wiki.contribs.org/SME_Server:Documentation:Administration_Manual:Chapter4#4.2._Recommended_Hardware_Requirements

But I'm wondering if someone can easily point me to a box for sale online that I can order. And yes I'd definitely like for it to be ready for an upgrade to SME 9.0.   I found this page: http://wiki.centos.org/About/Product which compares the minimum requirements for CentOS5 vs 6... but I can't say that I fully understand them.

I found the supported hardware list for CentOS 5:
http://wiki.centos.org/AdditionalResources/HardwareList
Not sure about v6, I can't seem to find it. Is it safe to assume that if it's supported by 5, it will be supported by 6?

thanks in advance for your help,
Peter

[TerryF]

A lot is going to depend on what you want to use it for..

If using new hardware you can go from a HP Microserver at well under a $1000 all bombed up with Hds, extra mem and a second nic to a full blown business system costing thousands...

Horses for courses..what is your course?

I should add, I have two HP microservers a N40L and a N54L, both perform without a problem with SME8 and 9, not to mention a few other linux and Windows flavours

[mench]

Thanks for quick response Terry!

I'm using SME as server+gateway for a network of about 10 computers. We actually don't utilize it anywhere close to its potential... not for email, or the ibays, or backups... and nothing is even served on there anymore. So it's mainly just gateway to the internet (with its firewall) + server for our domain.

We also use the port forwarding feature to allow for VNC access from outside the network. That's about it for now, though I'm planning to read up on the server (haven't that since the e-smith days) and see what more it can do for us.

I'm all ready to order this guy:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16859107921

But for it to act as server+gateway, I'll need to throw a second network card in there, right? Which one did you get? The centOS wiki is a bit confusing...  http://wiki.centos.org/AdditionalResources/HardwareList#head-80d215ba567909b5ac59c924157341482c5a85ac

all the best... and if you like rock'n'roll, I've got a record label and would be glad to send you a coupla CDs for your time.

[idp_qbn]

mensch
The HP Microserver is great - been recommended here by several people (including me, of course)
HP N40L or HP N54L - even the N36L.

Available as a single disk, 2 Gb RAM box for about $300 in Australia.

I have 2 at home (with 2 x 2Tb drives, 4Gb RAM ) that have performed faultlessly now for over 12 months. I have also introduced them into 2 places I support voluntarily (remote access via SSH), where they are on 24x7 without a hitch.

Chers
Ian

[TerryF]

I'm all ready to order this guy:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16859107921

But for it to act as server+gateway, I'll need to throw a second network card in there, right? Which one did you get? The centOS wiki is a bit confusing...  http://wiki.centos.org/AdditionalResources/HardwareList#head-80d215ba567909b5ac59c924157341482c5a85ac

Great choice I am biased I love the little guys

As well as my two I, like idp_qbn above, have put three into operation with non profit groups in my area, they have been in place now for over 12 months with nary a squeek..VPN in to manage

Have a look here for http://n40l.wikia.com/wiki/HP_MicroServer_N40L_Wiki for hardware that is confirmed to be compat with the N40,  then cross ref, the Intels cards tech details list RH 4 and RH 5 as being compatable, SME7, SME8 and likely SME9...It also covers RAM

[warren]

mench,

I'm all ready to order this guy:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16859107921

But for it to act as server+gateway, I'll need to throw a second network card in there, right? Which one did you get? The centOS wiki is a bit confusing...  http://wiki.centos.org/AdditionalResources/HardwareList#head-80d215ba567909b5ac59c924157341482c5a85ac

I also make use of 5 HP N40L's with the following NIC : Intel Gigabit CT PCI-E Network Adapter EXPI9301CTBLK .
Plug it in No problems and off you go 

[mench]

order placed!

Thanks so much for your help warren & terry & ian. I really appreciate it.

Peter