Network Setup

[enderx]

Here is my question.
I have 12 Pentium 1's (200 Mhz), 8 Pentium 3's and 7 Pentium 4's.
1. What would be the best OS to use between the various systems for networking?
2. What would be the cheapest form of network.

All are equipt with modems. Currently have no NIC's

Thnaks

 

[butchrecon]

Install Network cards and use Windows 98 and Windows 2000/XP in a simple Peer to peer network. It is also the cheapest way to go. There will not be any central security. And No central login. again it is the cheapest route. James Collins
Field Service Engineer
A+, MCP

email: butchrecon@skyenet.net

Please let us (Tek-tips members) know if the solutions we provide are helpful to you. Not only do they help you but they may help others.

 

[ag6969]

I don't intend to create a heated battle, but I think you should at least look at the client/server side before making any decisions. The peer to peer model is definitely cheaper in the beginning, but after a while can get quite messy. The most efficient way is client/server. All files are stored and backed up to the central server, printer can be shared from that system, and management (eg antivirus), because you
can update systems centrally. Given the number of systems you have, peer to peer would be streching it, as the functional (never mind sane) limit is about 25 nodes, that's
if the users are very knowledgable with networking tasks such as file/printer sharing. Peer to peer would not leave much room for expansion. If cost is a concern, consider Linux. It would require very little for server hardware, there's no licensing issues. If those systems all need an operating system, that's over $1000 (here in Canada). For about the cost of another MS license, you could get a decent
used system to use as a server. You could even use all MS clients, with a Linux server. This is not intended to be a Linux rant, as I myself also manage NT/2000 and Netware systems, and they work well. Just don't "throw the network together" to save some initial cost, I have had to work with many networks thrown together like that, and it is not cheap when it has to be repaired. You already have 27 systems, that's alot for just a peer to peer. Personally, I wouldn't jump on the XP bandwagon, as with any operating system, give it a little time. Windows 2000 is a great operating system, don't overlook that one, and don't forget, there are alternatives. I have been using RedHat 7.2 for a while now, and believe me, it's just as easy as Windows now, and it's free. Good luck.

Adam Garbutt
Systems Administrator
A+,NET+,CNA,MCSE2000

 

[ChrisAC]

WARNING!!! LINUX RANT!!!

You have been warned ..

I would agree with ag6969 on this one. For the number of workstations that you have a client/server model would be much better and a Linux server would be the ideal solution. I've just got Mandrake 8.1, fully loaded, good to go, free off the internet!! Gosh darn it's good!! And there is so much choice of software available, most of it for free! I've also got Red Hat 6.2 at home but that doesn't get much use 'cos I can't be arsed to buy an external modem for it! So, I put Mandrke on my lappy at work and it rocks!! We're also building a Linux server as well with the same copy of Mandrake 8.1 for file storage, FTP, CD burning etc.. It's really cool stuff!

So if you want a cheap client/server model, go Linux!

'Nuff said!! End of rant!

Chris.

 

[Cerati]

It's also worth bearing in mind that the operating system you can run on those systems is limited by the lowest common denominator - in your case the Pentium 200's.

The best you'll be able to run on those will be a Windows 9x derivative or, at a push, NT 4. I wouldn't mix and match on the operating systems as it'll just cause you heartache later on.

Linux wouldn't run too badly though, and the user community surrounding it is certainly a bonus.

 

[MasterRacker]

Hardwarewise, anything that can run Win98 can run Win2000. I have an old K6-200 at home that runs faster under Win2K than it did under Win98. One caveat, I do have 256 MB RAM.

Linux on the server would probably be fine, but I would be a little leary of Linux on the desktop. If you have a good office suite that can natively read and write Word and Excel files, go for it. If not, wait until there is one. (Unless, of course you will never communicate with anyone outside your office.)

If you decide to go Windows and peer to peer I would still designate a single machine as a pseudo-server. Put in a big hard drive and backup device and store all files in shared folders on that machine. Even this configuration, as Adam said, should not be allowed to grow too large before switching to a domain model. Win2K workstation can only provide 10 simultaneous connections.
Jeff
I haven't lost my mind - I know it's backed up on tape somewhere ....