moving linux and expert advice needed
 

ok im thinking of doing something and want advise from the only website i actualy trust not sure i can explain it fully but here goes;

i have a headless linux box running suse 10 this acts as a server with the following important services to my network

1) torrent flux 2.3 (a bit torrent webbased download programme that i can access anywhere in the world
2) apache webserver mainly for above but my webpage is there too for mates
3) counter strike server (the half life source version)
4) my music and video stuff for playback on my hifi and tv through samba
5)tightvnc to allow virtual access to it

my linux box is a 1 ghz processor with 512meg of ram and usb 1.1

i have a laptop laying about used very very very rarely ( http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.c...DUCT_ID=108787 ) all specs are correct but the ram was up dated to 1gig
im thinking of moving linux from the headles box and placeing on the laptop but need some help to decide if this is a good move or bad one

so far i can see

pros
1) the server will have built in display and keyboard mouse functions extremely usefull
2) usb 2.0 means i can place an infinite number of hard drives on it
3) the server pc has died for no reason twice this month
4) double the ram
5) faster ram
6) better cpu
7) much much much quiter
8) would take up less space
9) laptop has built in dvd burner
10) laptop has much better display card
Cons
1) could be a lot of hasle
2) is a 1.4ghz celon proccesor actualy faster then a 1ghz amd athlon
3) unsure of over heat problems
4) would lose its partability (baring 5 mile long network cable with repeaters to keep it going )

what i would like your help answering;
1) the major question that needs to be answered is would a laptop be ok for 24/7 operation?
2) if you had the stuff i have listed would you do it?
3) anyone using a laptop as a 24/7 server ? hows it running
4) any advice?

as always any help you can spare would be greatly appreciated

I would not make the change. It would work, probably 6 months or so, then the laptop dies of heat exhaustion. Think of a case PC. You probably have 1 fan on the processor, and 2 more in the case to circulate air. The laptop has 1 tiny fan over the processor. You will basically cook your very nice laptop in short order. You can buy a cheap desktop and turn it into a 24/7 server without too much of a problem, but heat = death to a laptop.

Peace,
JimBass

thats what i was thinking was hoping i was wrong i mean i have a cooling base for laptop but not sure its enough

That certainly improves the odds, but I still don't like it. Laptops are designed for 18 months of use, desktops for 3 years, so basically double the time. It wouldn't have a problem doing what you are asking of it, it is just like asking an obese person to run a marathon.

Peace,
JimBass

what i have decided to do is transfer the counterstrike server to the laptop as thats only active 30% of the time but when active causes the server the most grief (plus its the one thing that would beniefit from the increased ram. i was planning to install suse 10 on it but as i cant find the discs im in a position to choose a deferent distro so what is like suse in ease of use etc but good for laptops?