[WEB4LIB] RE: Purchasing a server for a small library

[Michael J. Dargan]

For what you're doing a slightly out-moded workstation might be just the
ticket.  For instance, I've seen Compaq 5000s on sale for as little as
$799 without a monitor.  They have built in SCSI HD, 10/100 Ethernet, and
a Pentium Pro 200 processor.  You'd probably want to up the RAM to at
least 64--which is a bit pricey--but it should be a very fast, reliable
machine.

You could also look at refurbished Micron workstations.  Lots of power
plus a warranty.

--mike

On Fri, 5 Mar 1999, Phillip Whitford wrote:

> I agree with all of what James Klock wrote in response to this question,
> there are big differences between servers and plain PCs and when buying a
> server you want to get a machine that is up to the task.  But sometimes
> there is just not enough money to buy a server from Dell, HP, etc.  For our
> small library we have had good luck in using two servers put together for us
> by a local vendor and they were cheaper and just as reliable as any product
> from one of the big companies. (We also have two servers made by DEC). The
> trick is finding a local vendor you can trust that will work with you and in
> educating yourself in the technical aspects of a server (like those
> mentioned in James Klock's message).  What you lack in budget you have to
> make up for in personal knowledge.  If we have the budget we do use a name
> brand piece of network iron, but we are comfortable using clones if we have
> to.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: web4lib at webjunction.org
> [mailto:web4lib at webjunction.org]On Behalf Of Naomi Lloyd
> Sent: Friday, March 05, 1999 11:35 AM
> To: Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: [WEB4LIB] Purchasing a server for a small library
> 
> 
> Our library is about to make its catalogue available on the web.  Before
> installing the web server software our LAN administrator has suggested I
> purchase a server for the library system software, and remove it from the
> organisation's central server.  I have asked for quotes from local stores
> as well as from Dell and IBM.
> 
> There has been a wide disparity in quotes despite most of the specs being
> the same.  This seems to be because Dell and IBM's machines (PowerEdge 1300
> and Netffinity 3000 respectively) are "servers". The other quotes seem to
> be for upgraded PCs.
> 
> Here's my question: If I know I only want one processor and a single hard
> drive on my machine (we're a very small library), is there any reason to go
> with a server rather than a PC with an internal tape back up and UPS?
> 
> Any and all input would be greatly appreciated!
> 
> Naomi Lloyd
> 
> Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources
> 310 Johnston Terminal, 25 Forks Market Road
> Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4S8
> Canada
> cierlib at mb.sympatico.ca
> Ph: (204) 956-0660
> Fax: (204) 956-1895
> http://www.cier.mb.ca
>