I'm currently running a bunch of services, managed at a data centre, that I'd like to consolidate in-house on a new machine (that isn't my current 300 MHz, 5 GB, 180 MB RAM 'server').

I was looking into Dell (specifically, the Dimension 3000) since their machines are proven, at least to me, to be relatively reliable, and cost-effective.

The main function this machine will serve is a primary desktop computer (with KDE and X11) and also serve a few low traffic web sites (TLDs) and a very limited amount of outgoing email (no incoming).

I can easily get away with sticking KDE/X11 on this machine and using it for most desktop work because the slowest part of the user exierience server-wise will be my DSL, not my hardware; add to that the 2.4 GHz processor and a load of RAM and I'll be more than fine.

Of secondary (or, really, primary) concern is desktop usability. Do Dells come with all sorts of WindowsXP-only hardare (like, oh, a sound card like those I've never gotten to work on any old x86 machine, or those famous WinModems of the late DOS era that wouldn't work under DOS) ? I have a fair bit of experience so I'm not shy about adding things like kernel modules, I just don't want to spend my life getting everything to work.

I'm planning on installing Slackware 10.1 by the way.

Any and all input appreciated !

I being me would suggest that you build the computer yourself. Thats what Ive done, and have found that drivers are REALLY easy to come by (ie, don't even have to look). Also they are cheaper, for example I can make a fully functional computer with 1TB of HD space, 256MB of ram and a 2.6Ghz cpu for about $1000 Canadian. Lets see dell do that .


Ampex189

Actually...after writing that post, I had a little author's remorce and thought building my own would be a better idea.

Your story of the TB of HD space for a thousand bucks and 'easy to come by drivers' really sold me though.

Thanks ampex

yea, thats how I do all my computers (I have 6) the parts cascade down, the best go in the one I actually sit at, then the parts go to the next best etc. Its a good system from what Ive found but I suggest that you find a hardware wholesale place, thats how I do it so cheap

Ampex189

I've actually got something similar going on here...only as you can see the cascading stopped a while ago