[Tfug] Server purchase (!)

[Brian Masur]

I wouldn't exactly call myself a vendor, but I've been doing this for about 
14 years, ever since I rebuilt my first 386/sx in 1992.

Now, I do this for a living (maybe not the linux part, per se, but I want to 
and I'm getting closer).

A computer is a system of interchangable parts, and each part can be tested 
alone by tools and software, and with each other the same.  That's how I 
determine if something is 'reliable' or not.
(see my previous post about verifying hardware)

All electronics (especially ones with moving parts, like hard drives) are 
subject to failure at any time.  This is the reason for redundancy, 
especially when you bring "backup" into the picture.  Redundancy in physical 
hardware like hard drives, power supplies, complete systems, but also in 
geographical locations like multiple locations around town or the world, or 
just offline backups in a fireproof safe.  In short, there are three factors 
for backup that I see.

1.  How important is the data being stored?  (minimum)
2.  What is your budget?  (maximum)
3.  How much do you know and/or who do you know that can get the best bang 
for the buck, i.e. do you know where to draw the line between cheap crap 
hardware and slightly more expensive quality hardware, and who is going to 
piece all of that together in a fashion that it won't conflict with each 
other and be fully supported by linux?  (somewhere inbetween)



>From: rubinson at u.arizona.edu (Claude Rubinson)
>Reply-To: Tucson Free Unix Group <tfug at tfug.org>
>To: tfug at tfug.org
>Subject: Re: [Tfug] Server purchase (!)
>Date: Thu, 12 Oct 2006 00:58:20 -0700
>
>On Thu, Oct 12, 2006 at 12:47:51AM -0700, Brian Masur wrote:
> >
> > Not sure why you would think something new would be more reliable.
>
>Not because it's new per se but, rather, because it comes from a
>vendor who actually does this for a living and knows what they're
>doing.  Unlike myself, who hasn't built a machine (or, frankly, really
>paid attention to hardware) since my P200.
>
>C.
>
> >
> > >From: rubinson at u.arizona.edu (Claude Rubinson)
> > >Reply-To: Tucson Free Unix Group <tfug at tfug.org>
> > >To: tfug at tfug.org
> > >Subject: Re: [Tfug] Server purchase (!)
> > >Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2006 16:40:50 -0700
> > >
> > >On Tue, Oct 10, 2006 at 04:03:09PM -0700, Brian Masur wrote:
> > >
> > > > If you aren't concerned about speed or ram, then I think the only
> > > > guiding factor on how cheap you can go is how much space you need.
> > >
> > >I've thought about going that route (it would certainly save a lot of
> > >money over purchasing new).  The only thing that I'm concerned about
> > >is reliability; in particular, the heat and vibration problems that 4
> > >(or more) drives might cause.  Thoughts or experiences, anyone?
> > >
> > >C.
> > >
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