ok, so diskless workstations would work beter.
or possibly something with hdd's (so that if the
network does flake out, the machines will still be
functional)
Gary Nichols wrote:
> You might also want to consider North Central/North West phoenix. This area
> is booming, and it's mostly younger families and us single types. Lots of
> money up here, and trendy shops are doing VERY well.
>
> I would also suggest going against the permanently-mounted laptop
> scenerio... I've worked on this type of setup before at trade shows and it
> is a maintenance nightmare....
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Hawke" <proudhawk19021@home.com>
> To: "plug-discuss" <plug-discuss@lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us>
> Sent: Saturday, August 26, 2000 5:10 AM
> Subject: New business startup help/suggestions/info needed
>
> > Guys,
> > I've been putting this thing off long enough.
> >
> > I now need some help.
> >
> > I'd like to start a business that involves the use of computers
> > in a small location that serves the public (A cybercafe').
> >
> > I would appreciate any additional input here 9especially from
> > those who are either owners or major contributing partners
> > in their respective organizations).
> >
> > I am also in need of funding sources (if you guys know of any
> > where grants may be issued, etc, please let me know)
> >
> > I am looking at 2 alternatives so far as the hardware is concerned:
> > 1. 25 workstations (diskless)
> > specifications (workstations):
> > memory: 256 megabytes
> > video; 8 megabytes or more
> > embedded linux os for loading Xwindows (or windows if need be)
> > on an ethernet backbone to a main server (100baseT).
> > Large monitors (17 inch or greater)
> > CPU: athelon 550 Mhz or higher
> > (on some machines I will include "special access technology"
> > for the visually impaired)
> >
> > Alternative 2:
> > 25 workstations (permanently mounted laptops)
> > built in HDD's (restricted access)
> > 100BaseT ethernet with embedded linux OS
> > CPU: Athelon 550 Mhz or higher
> >
> > Server:
> > CPU:Athelon 700 Mhz or greater
> > Memory: 512 megabytes or greater
> > HDD: Multiple 30 gigbye drives/RAID/SCSI
> > Standard vid adaptor (this is also the admin station)
> > OS: linux/BSD/SCO Unix/SUN Solaris/winNT
> > (any of these, but prefer *nix)
> > 2 Ethernet adaptors (100BaseT or fiber interface)
> >
> > other equipment: 50 way switch (100BaseT)
> > Routing panel
> > card reader
> >
> > It has been suggested to me that I issue cards of prepaid time
> > (such as 30 minute, 60 minute, up to 1000 minutes) for various prices.
> > The cost is computed on a per-minute basis and the larger cards
> > would reflect a discount).
> >
> > As always, location is important. since there are already 3 such
> > places around ASU, I plan to look elsewhere (such as central
> > Phoenix, downtown Phoenix, Downtown glendale and north glendale)
> >
> > I am looking at possible bidquotes for both alternatives listed above
> > from local providers 9such as technology partners, pc-club, and others).
> >
> > I am also looking at who would offer the best backbone service
> > (or should I go with more than one with an in-house peering
> > arrangement?), such as Cox, AT&T, QWEST, Sprint, MCI.
> >
> > Let me know if I need to add anything to this.
> > I am trying to get this idea going as quickly as possible.
> >
> > Thank you.
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________________________
> > See http://PLUG.phoenix.az.us/navigator-mail.shtml if your mail doesn't
> post to the list quickly and you use Netscape to write mail.
> >
> > Plug-discuss mailing list - Plug-discuss@lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us
> > http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss
> >
>
> ________________________________________________
> See http://PLUG.phoenix.az.us/navigator-mail.shtml if your mail doesn't post to the list quickly and you use Netscape to write mail.
>
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