Need recommendations for PC that will act as server.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Picard
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Picard

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Like the title says I need a new server for my classroom. The requirements aren't great since the class only has 50 PCs all with similar configuration. The computer must basically host a domain for the class.

I am thinking to just buy a fair sized PC (because it has worked for me in the past) to install Server 2003 but would just like some recommendations.

Remember this is a primary school classroom so the only demands that will be placed on the server is the logging on of the workstations and a small number of files that will be shared on the network.
 
Honestly, for such a small number of clients in a primary school environment, you'll probably get away with buying really low-end hardware and using ubuntu.

If you're not set on going the Server 2003 route, that is...
 
One of our servers here is a a P4 3.0 HT box, 1gb ram, 2x 80GB HDD's on a RAID1 config. This does domain controller, active directory, file server for about 20 users.

It also runs VMWare Server, hosting a small linux virtual machine I use for a few tools / sshd box.

So any average joe machine should be fine. Just make sure it's all Intel hardware and not some stupid SiS/VIA chipset machine, (their drivers are often buggy in my experience) and maybe get a case with a dust filter if it's going to be left on 24/7.
 
Core2Due entry level (E8400 maybe E2xxx)
2 or 4GB ram (cause it's so cheep (DDR2-800))
Decent MB
500gb Hdd
Don't need raid
Should be able to do this for under R5k

Try Linux, MS Server licences is gonna kill you, remember it's a server licence and a per seat license. Else just install XP on the pc.
 
If it's a school you can apply for the Microsoft Schools agreement, which would basically mean you have to pay for the media kit for MS Server, and you'll get free product keys.

It wll also give you free MS Office stuff aswell.
 
For interest sake, what kinda stuff you teaching the children on the computers?
(what software you running?)
 
Hopefully he's not teaching them how to be 1337 h4x0rz
 
n1hilist said:
If it's a school you can apply for the Microsoft Schools agreement, which would basically mean you have to pay for the media kit for MS Server, and you'll get free product keys.

It wll also give you free MS Office stuff aswell.
Click to expand...

We've already had all that for years.
 
spiderz said:
For interest sake, what kinda stuff you teaching the children on the computers?
(what software you running?)
Click to expand...

Duel boot between XP and Edubuntu. Grades R,1-3 sometimes play the educational games on edubuntu and sometimes a maths game (WIKI) in Windows.

The grades 4-7, I do Office with. Grades 4,5 MS Word; gr.6 PowerPoint and gr. 7 Excel. And throughout I talk to them about basic general computer stuff.

I also have a bunch of remedial reading and mathematics software on. Although much of it we got for free on promotions and are quite crap.

I am constantly looking for new software, so if you have recommedations, please feel free to name them.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Sherston Software products, look into it. We have many of their titles here at my school, for all the younger kids up to grade 6. The kids love the programs, and learn quite a bit. Titles include Teddy Bear's Picnic, Badger Trails, Crystal Rainforest, the list goes on.

Readers are Leaders is a great program for teaching kids how to read and spell in English and Afrikaans.

As for the server, a Core 2 E4600, 4GB ram, basic Intel Motherbaord and lots of hard drive space will do. Since you have the Microsoft licensing, the cost won't be a lot.

The best part about a Windows domain is how much you can control and lock down. Educational computes take a pounding, but managed properly they can last for a long time.
 
Asha'man X said:
Sherston Software products, look into it. We have many of their titles here at my school, for all the younger kids up to grade 6. The kids love the programs, and learn quite a bit. Titles include Teddy Bear's Picnic, Badger Trails, Crystal Rainforest, the list goes on.

Readers are Leaders is a great program for teaching kids how to read and spell in English and Afrikaans.

As for the server, a Core 2 E4600, 4GB ram, basic Intel Motherbaord and lots of hard drive space will do. Since you have the Microsoft licensing, the cost won't be a lot.

The best part about a Windows domain is how much you can control and lock down. Educational computes take a pounding, but managed properly they can last for a long time.
Click to expand...


Intel desktop boards sometimes dont have official 2003 server drivers/support and can be a bitch to setup.. woudl rather got with a brand
 
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