🚀 go-pugleaf

Guy Barwood <barwoodg@ocean.com.au> wrote:

>IC-786 wrote:
>> 
>> QUERY ON NT
>> 
>> Can someone advise what the hardware requirements are for a server
>> which will run WINDOWS NT Server for a small LAN with 4-5
>> workstations?
>> 

>With only 4-5 workstations, you could get away with 32Mb RAM, but leave room 
>for expansion if needed later for more PC's.

Depending on the speed requirements for the server, it is feasible to
get away with 24Mb or even 16Mb if you want to scrimp and save.  This
is possible with 3.51, but for 4.0 I wouldn't even run workstation in
less than 24Mb.

>> What sort of CPU, HDD, RAM is required for (a) the server (b) the
>> stations?
>> 

>a.	Server: For such a small LAN, a P133 or greater (given $$$ 
>limitations) will be fine, get at least 2Gb HDD (you will use it soon 
>enough!!) Get a fast SCSI setup, like the Adaptec 2940 and a Seagate 
>Barracuda or Hawk.

Again it depends on your usage requirements.  We used to run 16
workstations (developers all trying to compile at the same time etc.)
from a 486/33.  It seemed to be more memory, network and disk bound
than CPU bound for a simple file server.  A fast IO system is
definitely the spot where you want to get the best you can.  If you
want fault tolerance you're probably better off with 3 or 4 1Gb drives
on a SCSI chain and use striping across the volumes.  This will also
speed your data transfer rates.

>b.	Stations (running NT workstation), give 16-24Mb RAM, there is no need 
>for a HDD > 1Gb each (500Mb realistically) as they will all have acces to the 
>servers 2Gb.  These workstations will be fine with business apps if they are a 
>lower class pentium like the 100.

Win95 machines with 12-16Mb of RAM are also a good option here (with
500Mb to 1G on the HDD).

>> Which would be better-a dedicated server or undedicated server?
>> 

>Use a dedicated server, it may be an extra PC, but it doesn't have to be as 
>powerful if is isn't running apps as well.

Always use a dedicated server.  That way if you crash your machine or
want to reboot for some reason you won't annoy everyone else on the
network!

>> Can you still run Windows 95 on top of NT?
>> 

>You can dual boot 95 and NT, so run one OR the other at one time. Just install 
>95 first, then NT.

>> The LAN will mainly run business applications, MS-Office and a POS
>> system.

>For these purposes, you will not need heavy duty (ie Alfa chips etc) 
>equipment.  Get reliable equipment though, especially for the server (Digital 
>won the APC Australian reliability servey, see July APC).

>> 
>> Can Windows NT be also installed on a portable laptop which will
>> connect to the server to down load data?

>Yes, though I'm not sure about PCM support (check the HCL), I was using a 
>docking station with an ISA Network card and a Toshiba T4900.

Use 95 on portables as it has a lot better support for power saving
and PCMCIA.  It connects to an NT network like a dream.

>> 
>> What are the latest versions of Windows NT Server & Workstation and
>> how much do they cost?

>Lastest full version is 3.51 Server around AUS$1000, Workstation around 
>AUS$2-300, but shop around prices do vary.
>(Note Version 4 is in late beta, if you are in no rush, it may be worth the 
>wait, 3.51 works great though)

>> 
>> Any other info. on Windows NT appreciated as well. Thanks!
>> 

>Make sure all hardware is supported under the NT Hardware Compatibility List 
>(HCW) avaliable from Microsoft, or Technet, or with the NT software itself.
>This info is given as an perfectly acceptable lower limit (for running 
>business apps such as Office 95), I wouldn't advise going under it, but by all 
>means go higher if you have the money.

This is a rather tall order in Australia.  For your server, work out
your specs and get NT Server pre-installed from a supplier.  Make sure
you have a good service agreement with them (on site, same day etc) so
if it does go down then you can get someone out ASAP.

If you don't need the security offered by NT Workstation, I'd
recommend using Win95 as your client computers as it is cheaper in
both Hardware and Software than NT as well as faster.  It is also
easier to set up and maintain as a general rule.

Regards,

John Wiltshire

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John Wiltshire              | Email jw@qits.net.au
Network Systems Engineer    | Ph. W +61 7 38342783
Traffic Systems Development |
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Saint (n) -
 A dead sinner, revised and edited.