[NTLUG:Discuss] Cheap Server for Linux Webserver

[Stuart Johnston]

Steve Baker wrote:
> Stuart Johnston wrote:
> 
>> I need to buy a server to run a website (mod_perl).  I don't want to 
>> spend any more than $800 and $600 would be more realistic.  Dell has 
>> servers starting at $400 but I've had bad experiences with Dell.
>>
>> I know that it is probably a 'get what you pay for' kind of thing but 
>> I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions an how to get the most 
>> bang for the buck when it comes to servers.  I've considered buying 
>> used - any thoughts there?  Some place local would be cool.
> 
> 
> Dunno what your needs are - but I'd start off with a $199 box at WalMart
> and just install Linux on it.
> 
> Now, I'm guessing you'll say that's not enough [CPU|RAM|DISK] ... but
> is that really true?  Unless you have REALLY fast Internet connection,
> even a slow PC can easily keep up.
> 
> Are you anticipating running a lot of server-side CGI programs or
> something?   Do you think you'll have terabytes of data on your web
> site?

That's one of the options we have considered (actually we were looking 
at the Fry's cheap-o but the WalMart looks to be a better deal (shame 
they are so evil)).

We are running a pretty hefty web app (mod_perl, Apache::ASP, 
PostgreSQL) so we would probably need to upgade the RAM but that's 
pretty easy.  I'm actually having a little trouble determining how much 
RAM we need but I'm pretty sure that 128 would not be enough.

Can you even buy the $199 machines at WalMart stores or do you have to 
get them online?  (Seems like this has been discussed on list before.)

thanks,
Stuart Johnston