I only trust Dell PowerEdge servers, but I'm sure = others have had success with custom-built stuff too.
For the workstations, try looking at the netpc deals = that MSI has. www.msicomputer.com I'll probably get a few of = these myself for terminals around the pad (eg, one it the kitchen to = look at recipes, one in the crapper for sunday morning news, etc etc) = since they aren't very expensive and are somewhat flexible.
-----Original Message-----
From: Hawke [mailto:proudhawk19021@home.com]
Sent: Saturday, August 26, 2000 5:10 AM
To: plug-discuss
Subject: New business startup help/suggestions/info =
needed
Guys,
I've been putting this thing off long enough.
I now need some help.
I'd like to start a business that involves the use of =
computers
in a small location that serves the public (A =
cybercafe').
I would appreciate any additional input here =
9especially from
those who are either owners or major contributing =
partners
in their respective organizations).
I am also in need of funding sources (if you guys =
know of any
where grants may be issued, etc, please let me =
know)
I am looking at 2 alternatives so far as the hardware =
is concerned:
1. 25 workstations (diskless)
specifications =
(workstations):
memory: =
256 megabytes
video; 8 =
megabytes or more
embedded =
linux os for loading Xwindows (or windows if need be)
&nb=
sp; on an ethernet backbone to a main server (100baseT).
Large =
monitors (17 inch or greater)
CPU: =
athelon 550 Mhz or higher
(on some =
machines I will include "special access technology"
&nb=
sp; for the visually impaired)
Alternative 2:
25 workstations (permanently =
mounted laptops)
built in =
HDD's (restricted access)
100BaseT =
ethernet with embedded linux OS
CPU: =
Athelon 550 Mhz or higher
Server:
CPU:Athelon 700 Mhz or =
greater
Memory: 512 megabytes or =
greater
HDD: Multiple 30 gigbye =
drives/RAID/SCSI
Standard vid adaptor (this is =
also the admin station)
OS: linux/BSD/SCO Unix/SUN =
Solaris/winNT
(any of these, =
but prefer *nix)
2 Ethernet adaptors (100BaseT or =
fiber interface)
other equipment: 50 way switch (100BaseT)
&nb=
sp; &nb=
sp; Routing panel
&nb=
sp; &nb=
sp; card reader
It has been suggested to me that I issue cards of =
prepaid time
(such as 30 minute, 60 minute, up to 1000 minutes) =
for various prices.
The cost is computed on a per-minute basis and the =
larger cards
would reflect a discount).
As always, location is important. since there are =
already 3 such
places around ASU, I plan to look elsewhere (such as =
central
Phoenix, downtown Phoenix, Downtown glendale and =
north glendale)
I am looking at possible bidquotes for both =
alternatives listed above
from local providers 9such as technology partners, =
pc-club, and others).
I am also looking at who would offer the best =
backbone service
(or should I go with more than one with an in-house =
peering
arrangement?), such as Cox, AT&T, QWEST, Sprint, =
MCI.
Let me know if I need to add anything to this.
I am trying to get this idea going as quickly as =
possible.
Thank you.
________________________________________________
See http://PLUG.phoenix.az.us/navigator-mail.shtml if =
your mail doesn't post to the list quickly and you use Netscape to =
write mail.
Plug-discuss mailing list - =
Plug-discuss@lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us
http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-=
discuss