Re: Best overall machine - Linux ready?

[Bruce Smith <bruce@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Hi everyone, 
> A quick question.  What would you recommend for the best overall 
> machine for a company to buy, that wouldn't have any hardware 
> conflicts with linux?  Do you know of any companies that 
> specialize in such a machine?  Dell?  Gateway?  Being a complete 
> novice in Linux, though interested in having a low-cost server for a 
> computer lab LAN, I want to start out without any little things like 
> that causing trouble.

There are companies that well PC's with Linux installed, and
specialize in hardware that is the best supported under Linux.
They can cost a little more than Dell or Gateway, but it can make
life a lot easier.  One example is  www.varesearch.com

> I wrote the list awhile back about the non-profit organization I work 
> for setting up a computer lab for Seniors in the Kalamazoo area.  
> What I've proposed to the director is the server running Linux, 
> though all the other machines would need to run Win98, as the 
> Seniors will be working toward things like Microsoft Certifications.  I 
> know you're probably all groaning but it is delicious irony, don't you 
> think?  Teaching people so they can pass Microsoft's little tests on 
> a system thats backbone is Linux? :)
> 
> I need to hunt through my mail from those of you who responded 
> with offers to help with this project.  We will need someone who 
> knows Linux inside and out to do it... and at this point that isn't 
> me.  The organization is Green Thumb, Inc.  We help people 55 
> years and older to get job training and work experience and then 
> jobs in the private sector (they work in community service 20 hrs 
> per week while learning).  If anyone is interested, please e-mail me.

I don't remember your previous email, but I'm willing to help.

> The basic questions here are, though, what's the best machine to 
> get for running Linux?

I've heard good things about varesearch, but never used them personally.

> And would Linux do a good job being the 
> server for a LAN of computers that run Win98?

Most likely.  I can't say absolutely without knowing exactly what
you want to serve.

--------------------------------------------
Bruce Smith                bruce@armintl.com
System Administrator / Network Administrator
Armstrong International, Inc.
Three Rivers, Michigan  49093  USA
http://www.armstrong-intl.com/
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