From: byron@cc.gatech.edu (Byron A Jeff) Subject: Linux Satellites (Cheapest Linux Hardware Configuration) Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1993 01:49:50 GMT
[ I'm starting a policy of cross-posting to c.o.l and the appropriate
new newsgroup with the followup to the new newsgroup. It gives initial
visibility but directs the discussion to the appropriate news group. ]
I'm enjoying Linux so much that I'm starting to think about having more
machines at home. The kiddies need one and it would be kinda nice to
have a machine downstairs where I won't seem like such a hermit to my
wife and kids ;-)
To that end I'm wondering what would be the least expensive usable
hardware configuration. This is what I'd like to be able to run:
- Linux (obviously)
- X windows
- Networking/NFS
NFS is important I think because I'd like to have my machine be a central
server and other machines be clients.
So I throw out the challenge: What is the least expensive configuration
that'll do what I want.
Here is my first crack at it (I almost forgot the video! ;-):
$100.00 - 33 Mhz 386sx motherboard
$120.00 - 4 MB of memory - Net bought of course ;-)
$115.00 - 14 inch mono VGA monitors
$ 80.00 - 40 Meg IDE drive - remember most of the software will be NFSed.
$ 40.00 - Case and power supply - This is a cheat. A local dealer is
getting rid of some large AT size cases with 200 W PS.
$ 35.00 - Generic VGA card - only running the monochrome server.
$ 30.00 - Ethernet Card - Buy 3 on the special offer floating on the net.
$ 25.00 - 101 key keyboard
$ 20.00 - Multi IDE card - 1 parallel - 2 serial - 2 IDE
=======
$565.00 + Tax or shipping.
What do you think? Of course for $45 more I can get a 40 Mhz 386 motherboard
with 128K cache.
Has anyone done this. With the relatively minicule cost of PC hardware and
the wonderfullness of Linux I don't see why some folks don't have a machine
in every room of their house ;-)
Later,
BAJ