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19990426: PC platforms for running Unidata applications (cont.)

>From: Deborah Luchsinger <address@hidden>
>Organization: University of Denver
>Keywords: 199904220326.VAA28906 platforms

Debby,

>Thanks for your response.  I think we would like to go with the Linux
>operating system - with two of us working on this system, we can stay on
>top of the security patches

Yes, if you are diligent.

>(I assume there are notices sent out when a new patch needs to be installed).

Actually, you will need to visit the RedHat web site to get the
information.  I don't believe that they email you about patches that
have newly been made available (but I could be wrong on this one).

>With regard to the SCSI drives, how much more expensive are these drives
>than the IDE ones?  We may, as you suggest, not be able to afford them,
>but it would be nice to know what the cost difference is in the unlikely
>event that we can find more money!

This can vary, but you can get a good idea by visiting various computer
manufacturer web sites and go through a "build your own" scenario.  I
did this a lot when I was looking to put together a machine, and it
was very illuminating.  Try the following web sites for some guidance:

Gateway 2000:
http://www.gateway2000.com/

Dell Computer:
http://www.dell.com

There are literally thousands of sites out there where you can configure
a PC with a variety of disks, video cards, network cards, etc.  It is
really informative to do some playing on their sites to see how you
can tailor a system to your needs.  I can tell you that the general
difference between systems with UIDE and SCSI will be on the order of
several hundred dollars per disk.

>Once we have the configuration nailed down, do you have a suggested
>vendor for us to work with?

This is a tough one since there are so many vendors out there that provide
good "stuff".  We have had good luck with Gateway 2000 as has at least
one of our sites that is running McIDAS, GEMPAK, and the LDM (NMSU/NSBF).
Dell, on the other hand, has started bundling Linux (RedHat) with their
computers if requested to do so.  Getting a machine configured with the
operating system that you intend to use is a BIG plus, since it gets
you out of the business of ripping off Windows and installing something
new.

Again, when we bought our dual 450 Mhz Pentium II systems, we we went
to a company called Workstation Direct.  We did this mainly because we
knew someone working there who could be trusted.  Unfortunately, he
left and the machines we got were a little less than we had hoped for
(several issues about how well the removable SCSI disks were connected,
etc.  Nothing earthshaking, but an annoyance nonetheless).

Again, the biggest thing to keep in mind is a guarantee from the vendor
that the hardware in the box that you are buying will work with the
operating system that you intend to use.  This will save a lot of
headaches down the road.

>Thanks Tom!

You are welcome.

Tom