Re: SOHO SUN Server - I'm giving up

llothar wrote:
I tried to setup a small office server that controlls an automated
software build system (compilation on 5 different computers and 18 OS
combinations), maintains business datas in a postgresql database, works
as subversion server and as the staging server for the main website.

Everything is so complicated on SUN hardware. I purchased a Ultra 10
put it 10 GB but was not able to add a hardware IDE RAID or control the
power supply (programmed switch on/off).


Switch-off is easy

# init 5

You could do that via cron or at.

You are using quite old hardware - the Ultra 5 *never* was designed as a server. There are more modern machines with lights out management (LOM) that would be more suitable. I have a Netra T1 here that might be more suitable, although I have hardly switched it on (I got it for £0.00).

I'm not sure what options exist for hardware raid, but I done think you have not picked an ideal machine. (In fact I know you have not).

Whilst not a fully automated system, I created a few shell scripts that allowed me to build atlc

http://atlc.sourceforge.net/

in at least a semi-automated way. The .tar.gz file was copied via scp to remote machines, ssh used to compile it on those remote machine, 'make test' (make check?) run, and scp used to copy the results from 'make test' back to the original "server". (I actually used a Sun Ultra 80 workstation, but that is a lot more capable than the Ultra 5).

However, the number of operating systems (about 6~10) did not exceed the number of computers, which is what you are doing (18 OS on 5 computers). So I did not need to dual boot any of them.

I'm now moving to a 733 Mhz PIII with 512 MB running Linux and Hardware
RAID 1 for the main 80 GB and 2 external Firewire Backup Disk.

You have gone up somewhat in hardware.

I spend
to much time trying to setup the Sparc System, and it seems to have no
value for such a small low traffic system.

So it seems pretty clear to me why SUN is lossing ground in the
small/mid server range. It simply makes no sense to purchase this.

I'm personally not convinced Linux is more sensible. I've run Linux and get ******-*** with all the kernel issues. Program A needs kernel X, but program B needs kernel Y. I refuse to buy Redhat (who I see as the new Microsoft) and so installed Mathematica on Windoze, after attempts with Debian failed.

I can't help feeling if you pick such an unsuitable machine, you get what you deserve.

--
Dave K MCSE.

MCSE = Minefield Consultant and Solitaire Expert.

Please note my email address changes periodically to avoid spam.
It is always of the form: month-year@domain. Hitting reply will work
for a couple of months only. Later set it manually.
.

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