[NTLUG:Discuss] OT Server Recommendation

[Kenneth Loafman]

I second that.  At work we get all of our lap/desktops from Dell, and 
are starting to get servers there as well.  Solidly built and with the 
24/7 3-year service plan for not much more, it really pays off in lack 
of hassle.  Our custom built servers are probably going to be replaced 
by Dell, as long as we can get Linux on the servers.

I do hate paying the Microsoft tax for the systems that run Linux, but 
that's the way the market is running at the moment.  Maybe I'll just 
take the extra stuff down to 1st Saturday.

...Ken


Steve Southwell wrote:

> Disclaimer:  I'm a programmer, not a hardware guy..  Take this for what 
> it's worth...
> 
> The system you point out looks nice, but it doesn't mention hardware 
> RAID.  Seems to me like you'd want at least 4 drives so you could have 
> RAID 1/0.  If you're going to be getting your own T-1, then presumably 
> your rack space is not at a premium.
> I've ordered quite a few servers and notebooks from Dell, and have never 
> yet failed to be impressed with the product and  their ease of ordering, 
> friendly and accomodating (if you know what I mean) sales folks, speedy 
> delivery (1 - 2 days most cases) and quick knowledgeable support.  I 
> know they've recently been slammed about farming out some of their 
> support to India, but I've yet to encounter a support rep that couldn't 
> quickly grasp the problem and resolve it to my satisfaction.  In fact, 
> I've seen them even extend warranty to parts that I bought on Ebay.
> 
> The one thing I'll never do again is go down to the neighborhood 
> computer store and have them build me one.  What you save in price, you 
> lose in hassle and durability.
> 
> FWIW, I'm not affiliated with Dell, just a fan.  And I'd definitely like 
> to hear some other opinions, since I haven't yet utilized the other 
> popular vendors.
>