Need Server Help (anyone?)

[skydivr]

Anybody up for a challenge?

I have managed to acquire (yes, legally!) two IBM Netfinity 7100 Servers in functioning condition (I hope). Even if they are scrap, there are enough hard drives/parts in them that I could use or sell.

I know nothing about servers, but if I can make these work, I could be of great value to my family's company. Am looking for someone who has some knowledge regarding these. Please PM me.

Thanks!

 

[NickSully]

What exactly are you looking to do with these servers? You said they could help the family business but how so?

Once I get that information I can let you know if I can help or not.

 

[Mr Bogus]

I would move on personally (at least as a box I would rely on for biz)..... old old stuff... the average laptop has a lot more CPU although maybe not the storage space...

maybe make for some fun home networking?

 

[theskaz]

i wouldnt trust it for any mission critical thing. but would be cool to play with.

 

[PandaNin]

Looks like 6 drives probably in a RAID 5 config, max size is most likely 40GB each. That DLT and 3.5 drive would be at home in a Tech Museum, they are nearly extinct.

Overall, a great boat anchor or target.

 

[skydivr]

I kinda figured it was dated, but something is better than nothing and they were FREE. Figured at a minimum I could use the hard drives for spares or additional storage.

What I really want to do is use this as a test box to learn everything I can.

Our business runs on an AS400, including dumb terminals and some PC's that can connect via emulation. We are running about 20 PC's in one big honking WORKGROUP (scarey, I know!) but so far it works and I've been able to keep viruses out, backups and the machines clean because I can get my hands on them all.

My biggest problems are: Controlling Updates, AV protection, Backups. Not wanting to run a website or fool with exchange server.

P.S. I'm self-taught; I know my way around enough to keep what I've got now working I know where the START button is, but I know squat about servers, so this is my chance to play with one and see how it functions.

Thanks!

 

[theskaz]

i built mine.... the first one serves as a virtual server host and tons of hard drive space.
The most expensive part in it is the raid controller *Areca 1220ML*. dual quad core xeon and 12GB ram.

the second is one i built for my father in law that was less than 700 bucks. redundant PS, single quad core, 8GB ECC RAM, RAID 5.

 

[theskaz]

I kinda figured it was dated, but something is better than nothing and they were FREE. Figured at a minimum I could use the hard drives for spares or additional storage.

What I really want to do is use this as a test box to learn everything I can.

Our business runs on an AS400, including dumb terminals and some PC's that can connect via emulation. We are running about 20 PC's in one big honking WORKGROUP (scarey, I know!) but so far it works and I've been able to keep viruses out, backups and the machines clean because I can get my hands on them all.

My biggest problems are: Controlling Updates, AV protection, Backups. Not wanting to run a website or fool with exchange server.

P.S. I'm self-taught; I know my way around enough to keep what I've got now working I know where the START button is, but I know squat about servers, so this is my chance to play with one and see how it functions.

Thanks!

that thing could fair as a domain controller if you were so inclined.

 

[lavinrac]

To be honest you could use it as anything you wanted.(As long as its a test box) I would just setup whatever you thought you needed to learn I mean it is just a learning tool and NOT going in live.

You could put this thing in live as something menial but I wouldnt trust it as anything that is critical.


So have fun playing with it and learning alot.. most of all enjoy breaking it while you learn.

 

[Tufbusa]

Show me where the throttle is on that thing and I could tell you how well it functions! :mboesgrins:

 

[carlsbadbusa]

old old gear

 

[omslaw]

I'll do what I can. I've been working with IBM servers for over 11 years now. Virtually all my servers are IBM.

Netfinity 7100 is an old model PIII Xeon probably around 700 MHz (I have a Netfinity 7000 in my basement. Still works, but slow as he!!. LOL

Whatcha need?

 

[Mr Bogus]

AS400? oh my.... I remember getting an AS400 operators certificate about 10 years ago... swore them off along with cheap tequila...


on the upside? I never heard of any software that was compatible with both systems.. so, you can forget about having to migrate any programs..