🚀 go-pugleaf

Hi,

We are in the process of upgrading and setting up
a computer lab for students. We already have 2 386s, 4 286s and
a 386DX. We want to spend the least amount of money, and use 
our current computer equipment also. Our lab should be able to
support computer intensive software like mathematica, hyperchem
etc.. So we thought of two alternatives:

1. get a 486/50 and keep these computer intensive software on
them. The down side is, only one person can work at a time.

Or

2. set up a Server-Client network: setup a 486/50 with a large
disk and printer as server, and use our current 386/286 
machines as clients. The idea is that all computations will be
done on the server, and the clients will merely serve as
front-ends. Also, the clients can be used independently for small
tasks. Is possible in the DOS/Windows  environment? I have been
told that unix machines can do this... But, is it possible
for DOS/WINDOWS set up too? 

If option 2 is possible, we would prefer that. Our assumption is
386/286 machines can be used as dumb terminals, hanging off the
486. The 486 will be responsible for computations, disk access,
video updates, printing etc...

I  would appreciate any advice/comment/suggestions on this. Also,
if option 2 above is possible, what do we need? Who will be the 
suggested vendors? Will one  copy on the server be able to serve
requests from multiple clients?

Once again please let me know of suggestions for this setup.

Thanks,

--Dinesh

   --------------------------------------------------------------
   Dinesh K. Sukumaran    Tel:   (716)-829-3147
   Dept. of Chemistry     Fax:   (716)-829-2960
   9 Acheson Hall         email: chedinsh@ubvmsc.cc.buffalo.edu
   SUNY at Buffalo               dinesh@hohaha.chem.buffalo.edu
   Buffalo, NY 14214             v075pcah@ubvmsc.bitnet
   _____________________________________________________________