Re: [cobalt-users] Real World Qube 2 and such

[Malcolm McLeary <mim@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Hector,

on 24/5/00 3:08 PM, Hector Cabarcas at hector@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> I own a small graphic design firm. Up to this point we've collaborated by
> way of networking the computers and sharing files off each other's hard
> drives. We've got an 100TEthernet network. We're ready to move beyond that.
> Our needs are pretty simple...cross-platform file sharing!
> 
> 1) Cobalt claims seamless support. What's been your experience?

Cross platform support is seamless within file naming restrictions.

I would recommend the Gateway Micro Server over the Cobalt Qube2 (it is
still built by Cobalt) because the Gateway version has a SERIOUS netatalk
problem fixed which Cobalt have not rolled out on the Qube2 (yet!).

> 2) I'm looking at the 13GIG Qube 2 with 64mb DRAM. One of our workstations
> running on just 64mb of RAM would be unacceptable. We couldn't open up more
> than one application at a time. Can a server get away with this low figure
> because it's primarily just serving files and not having to open up the
> program used to create each file? Our average graphic file is about 15-20mb.
> Can we work with the files right off the server or do we have to copy the
> file to each workstation and then proceed?

The Gateway Micro Server has the option of a 20GB disk.

The more RAM the better, but 64MB is ok ... Linux and the supplied layered
applications are very memory and cpu efficient.  It is very different to
what you'd find on a workstation (MacOS or Windows).  In your application it
is just dishing out files so it will handle it.

Files can be opened directly off the server without any problems.  Just
maintain a good directory structure as the system really bogs down if there
are too many files in any single directory.

15 - 20 Mb files should not really be a problem.  Performance is always
better when files are local ... the decision is yours wrt work practices.

The big issue to consider is BACKUP and RESTORE.  The supplied utility is
basically useless.  I recommend Dantz Retrospect Backup for MacOS or
Windows.  Just install the software on a Mac or Wintel box and suck data
across the network to your choice of backup media.

Cheers,  Malcolm

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                       Information Alchemy Pty Ltd
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Malcolm McLeary                                  Mobile:   0412 636 086
Managing Director                                Email:  mim@xxxxxxxxxx

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