ndeng@EULER.BERKELEY.EDU (10/14/89)
Hi netters, A friend of mine is about to make a big dicision in updating his company's computer system and asked me for some advice. Since I am not very familiar with large systems, I just post his questions on the net for help. Basically, what he needs is a UNIX based network for about 20 engineers to develop FORTRAN and C programs, (Finite elements, fluid mechanics, etc.) and needs some number crunching power. For most of the time, the jobs are software developing so the CPU power required is not very demanding. But sometimes he may need to get results very fast from running big programs (Mainly matrix operations). He is currently not sure whether he should go the 386-PC line to buy some 20-30 386s and connect them via ethernet, or go SUN/DEC line to buy some 20 SUN/4 or DEC-3100 and connect them together. Or even buy a supermini computer with some 20-30 terminals. The basic reason to consider 386-PC is that 386PC is relatively cheap, and offer more flexibility. But SUN or DEC are well established UNIX workstations, through they charge a lot and softwares are more difficult to obtain. Supermini will cost a fortune and is even more difficult to maintain. Could anybody who has experience as system manager or similar job share his/her experience about the following questions? ---- Are 386 UNIX mature enough to be connected into a network? If so, which flavor of UNIX would be the best choice? If not, what are the major problems/weak points? Does one need to buy 20 copies of the same package or just one copy but with "unlimited site license"? How about all other softwares? Any special problems in buildup the network? Will you recommend a "best configuration"? ---- Is there any acceleration board available for 386 under UNIX? Especially for performance over 3 MFLOPS. MicroWay's QuarterPuter works only for DOS, Sky's VORTEX works for DOS, too. (Through I don't know if they developed newer board to support unix or not). For acceleration board I mean to plug in a 25/33MHz 386 machine. Since these machines alone even with a WEITEK are not fast enough. ---- Do you have any recommendation/comment on a SUN or DEC2100/3100 based network? In your opinion, what is the best configuration? (say memory /file server/hard disk /tape backup/dummy terminals, etc.) Are there any problems which need special attention? Also, for about 20 machines, How big a server is big enough? (330MB, 660MB, or 1.2GB?) Please reply by email to this account to save band width. If enough interest is generated, I will post a summary. Thanks in advance. ndeng@euler.berkeley.edu