On Wednesday 26 November 2008 01:40 am, Michael Sokolov wrote: > I'm looking for some advice. I need to put together a new Linux > desktop PC for my girlfriend's cubicle at our new office and I'm > looking for advice on the hardware requirements. > > The intended use for this desktop PC is to run Slackware Linux and to > do the following: > > * Browse the web comfortably with Firefox; > * Listen to MP3s and other audio; > * Watch videos -- not looking for anything HD, just YouTube-like > quality is plenty enough.
Hello, Michael... long time no see. I've spec'd a few machines over the years for just this purpose. Remember that because of time constraints I'd rather buy than build. And I'd also rather buy than repurpose old hardware that may break. In any event, if you're going to repurpose old hardware be sure to: either use software RAID to manage drive failure on old drives, or better, use brand new drives. They're not expensive. And if you can get it, max out memory (not necessarily new). And visually inspect the drive looking for cooked capacitors, making sure fans all work, and the like. But if you're going to buy ... I highly recommend those cheap system from Frys. The ones that are their own brand names are perfect Linux office desktop systems. The ones that already run linux are best because you know they will. But if you bring a live CD to the store (perhaps a custom one), you can figure out what you need to know Linux-wise. Again, max out the memory and make sure there's room and hardware in the box for two drives. I recommend softwaire RAID-1. Drives are cheap enough. You still have to backup, but the security of a two-drive RAID-1 system is always worth the cost and complexity. Don't be surprised if when you look inside those boxes, expandability appears to be at a minimum. Very few slots or extra connectors on the power supply. Sometimes no extra drive bays. But ... Generally more expandability on Fry's own brand than on the cheap HP, Compaq, etc., systems. Good luck! Jeff -- Jeff Lasman, Nobaloney Internet Services P.O. Box 52200, Riverside, CA 92517 Our jplists address used on lists is for list email only voice: +1 951 643-5345, or see: "http://www.nobaloney.net/contactus.html";
