[HorrorFreak]

Hi all,

I'm currently studying a certificate in Linux/Unix and I have to compile a report that requires me to "select the hardware and software components to build a Suse 10.1 Linux Server to run as a domain server to support 100 connections from Windows Vista/7 workstations. The hardware and software of the server can not exceed $5000".

Basically I'm studying the course remotely and by correspondence so I'm teaching myself, which makes it very difficult.

I'm to:

1. List the hardware and software components and detail the models and brand names for the server.

2. Explain to confirm the compatability for the combination of motherboard and O/S, processor and motherboard, network card and SUSe operating system, SATA II hard disks and motherboard.

3. List version and name of server application and explain why the application can support 100 Vista/7 workstations.

4. Name version and type of software to use on Windows Vista/7 workstations in order to connect to the server and briefly explain config steps.

5. Prepare cost summary for the Linux server application and client access (Vista/7) licences.

I'm just putting this out there in case any of you may be able to help me or lead me in the right direction. I'm assuming for some this understanding may be relativiely easy, but for myself it is quite confusing.

Any help would be much appreciated. I've also posted this in Networking section of the board.

Thank you for you time and help.

[lotuseclat79]

Hi HorrorFreak,

You might be able to study setting up a Suse 10.1 server from the following web page:
The Perfect Setup - SuSE 10.1 (32-bit) for relevant information (if applicable, but I would not spend that much time on it, just enough to get a gross idea if it will help from what you know and don't know).

You should search for "Suse +10.1 hardware requirements" to find the minimum hardware requirements. I don't know how much memory is required to support that many connections for Windows 7/Vista workstations in Suse 10.1 Linux (in a networked setup). I suggest you go to the Suse web site and/or search for any user forums to ask some relevant questions about how much memory it would take to handle that many connections and do the database lookups necessary to handle the load required - maybe a minimum of 8-12GB??? (Pure SWAG on my part) Ask what is the maximum load of web traffic requests that can be anticipated for that many workstations generated to the Suse 10.1 Linux server and design your memory requirements to suit the maximum load. The minimum requirements are only a starting place, and the idea of your design project is to find the minimum system that will handle the load from the clients (with some room for growth designed into the system - if applicable), and that way you should be able to minimize the costs within the framework given at least not to exceed it.

-- Tom

[HorrorFreak]

Thank you Tom, that has given me a great head start! Appreciated.