taylor@limbo.Intuitive.Com (Dave Taylor) (09/29/90)
I am currently contemplating upgrading my main Unix computer to a newer,
faster machine and am interested in hearing recommendations from people
on what they think would be an ideal solution.
The machine is intended to be a file / mail / CPU server, so I don't need,
for example, a bit mapped X Windows console. Instead, I need a machine
that is *very very* reliable, and can handle a relatively adverse operating
environment (high dust levels, somewhat extreme temperatures, etc) as well
as little, if any, ongoing administration or maintenance.
Specifics:
- at least 8MB of RAM, probably 12MB or more ideal
(it'll have 2-3 users most of the time)
- at least 1 GB of disk space - prefer regular SCSI
- at least 6 serial ports - either built in or on add-on cards
(at least 3 should support modem connections too)
- a backup media of some sort (8mm, cartridge tape, etc)
- LAN capabilities, or at least an upgrade path
- System V or BSD based -- just very *solid* software including
a robust C compiler, mail system, HDB UUCP, etc.
- $10,000 (or less!) completely configured w/support contract
The kind of thing I figure might fit the bill include a SPARCserver-1+
from Sun, a low-end MIPS box, perhaps a NeXT (though I think that the
reliability would be poor) or an HP. I'm not sure, though, and I am
hoping that the net can assist in this information quest.
Also, please feel free to forward this note to a sales office, if you
have connections with a particular company too.
Thanks for your assistance! I shall summarize my findings
in the group "comp.sys.misc" in a few weeks.
-- Dave Taylor
Intuitive Systems
Mountain View, California
taylor@limbo.intuitive.com or {uunet!}{decwrl,apple}!limbo!taylor