Hi good people, got some questions.
For a long time I’be been using regular PCs as servers (different kinds), which are not redundant and could die any moment (hardware). It’s not bad as long as you backup and restore it quickly in case it dies, but of course not good enough.
Well, now looking in to a “small business server”, they all been categorised these days (30 domains, 100 emails, 30 small databases).
IT HAS TO BE RACK, 19 inch, one for a rack cabinet
I am not looking in to 5000USD servers, need something cheaper as it is for charity really.
- as the budget is limited would you recommend using second hand/refurbished servers?
- what are the downturns, what parts in servers die first?
- what is a life resource for servers? (This is impossible to find on google)
- What is the situation with Webmin/Virtualmin on Centos v6.0? I understand you guys will not issue Virtualmin until it’s fully tested with Centos 6.0 (and it is fully understandable, a lot of huge companies, people rely on stability of CENTOS and VIRTUALMIN/WEBMIN)
Will it need complete new install when it’s tested to 100%? Or will be there a soft upgrade from Centos v5.7 to v6.0 with regular updates? (I had this server for about 4-5 years and gradually updated it to it’s current - v5.7) - which rack servers are are compatible with centos?
- actual suggestions I am looking at:
checked with compatibility for CENTOS and it says:
Dell 2xxx series (pre R series)
HP DL series (DL380, DL580)
Dell R series (latest), which ones to look for?
internet people recommend HP for some reason as more stable…
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for the price is it worth buying HP DL380 G5 or is it an old rubbish these days (October 2011), particular HDDs?
Dell Poweredge 2950?
Dell Poweredge R200? -
what’s with 64bit processors? Is it worth getting these kinds or will it involve 64bit of CENTOS to be installed? What sort of problems can this create?
I am thinking (correct me if wrong) 4Gb at least, 80Gb in mirror mode RAID, couple of dual cores or quad would be minimum.
Really appreciate your advance help and fantastic product you’ve been working/fixing/updating all these years. You can really rely on it!