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Thread ID: 25947	2002-10-16 00:17:00	linux test bed	markOS X (494)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
89709	2002-10-16 00:17:00	I'm looking to purchase an old box that i can use to learn about how linux works. Ie. I'm interested in learning how linux does the following: >> http, ftp, email, telnet etc. >> databases/programming (like mysql and php) >> firewall stuff What i'd like to know is what hardware I should look at getting. I'm currently looking at: >> some form of pentium 2 >> less than 10gb hard drive >> 64 to 128mb of ram >> some cheap dick smith network cards Also, i've got a winmodem and working drivers for mandrake 8.0 I'm currently downloading freebsd (can't remember the version) and mandrake 9.0, and i've got mandrake 8.0 already. I am not looking at using this as anything other than a testbed for me to learn interesting linux stuff. Can anyone give me some idea of the type (and possible cost) of the system i'll need?? Any help appreciated, markOS X =======	markOS X (494)
89710	2002-10-16 00:24:00	AFAIK, WinModems and Linux dont mix (Hence the name). 128MB RAM would be good in my limited but useful experiences with it. Any P200 Upwards should suffice. I'm going to give it yet ANOTHER try on a 233 sometime within the week (Yes, Its gone wrong yet again... I think it doesnt like my S3 Display Adapters, having two in and then removing one...) But anyways, My best advice would be to have fun, and write down anything you think might come in handy later! :p Cheers	Chilling_Silence (9)
89711	2002-10-16 00:37:00	Anything from a 486DX2-66 would do. :D Your suggested box sounds fine. More memory is always better ... but 64 -128 MB is lots, though it will slow X-Window a bit. However, when you're running it as a server, you won't need X-Window running. (You can log into it from a client machine and su to root when you need to do anything. The SQL and PHP might want a bit more grunt than a DX2, but unless you are going to set up a network of 10 or 100 client users all working hard, there isn't much CPU required. ftp and telnet servers have always needed very little resources. (I have a couple of floppies I use to set up a network between any two computers (say, one with a CD drive, and one without). They boot DOS, and one acts as a FTP server, and the other can copy files. The software will actually fit on a 320k floppy --- with DOS. It will run on an 8088. Rather than cheap dse network cards ... look for even cheaper (and better) secondhand ISA cards. They'll be 10 Mbps, but you'll have no trouble making them go with Linux (look for 3COm or WD (SMC) cards. "Novell" cards are probably best avoided, though they do work). In fact ... 10Base2 : "Thin Ethernet", using coaxial cable is the easiest network ... no hubs. Just a T connector at each host, and a terminator at each end. As for how much .. have a look at trademe.co.nz ... or at a "real" auction. The prices are very variable ...	Graham L (2)
89712	2002-10-16 00:42:00	I think I've got 2 3Com 10baseT NIC's and also one or two SN2000 Compatible Cards.... Drivers for the SN's for Doze, unsure about linux. Give us your addy and I'll post them to ya if you're wanting!	Chilling_Silence (9)
89713	2002-10-16 00:51:00	Thanks for that, but i've got one of those shady uncles who hawks off shoddy p2's and 486's to unsuspecting newbies that i'm going to try and get the gear from - he lurks around trademe and tender centers looking for cheap as gear a lot.	markOS X (494)
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