--==<<GAMERS UNTIE!!>>==-- Need input for a LAN/GAME SHOP!!

[kazeakuma]

I have Drive Image 5.0. A CD re-image of my gaming rig takes 12 minutes from boot to full operability. I don't really have a crunch time requirement so if the bulk of the repetitive work is done, not a big deal manually installing remaining software. I might rethink that once I set out to install software on 20 PC's! A good Final image will be an essential tool.

I'm thinking that with all games installed and XP you're going to have a lot of CDs for reimaging. Network imaging would be much easier and with a good network, just as fast. Not to mention that installing games individually would take forever. Punching it out simultaneously over the network and in most cases not even requiring the PC to reboot you'd be looking at an install time of maybe 20mins (initial install on one PC and then network broadcasting) for all 20 pcs instead of 10 mins per PC. And I would think that time would be an issue, if a PC is not able to be used by a customer than less $$$ for you and if you're downtimes are too long then it's possible some customers will avoid the place so they don't have to wait to play.

I'd better stop now.

 

[Sketcher]

Originally posted by: kazeakuma

I have Drive Image 5.0. A CD re-image of my gaming rig takes 12 minutes from boot to full operability. I don't really have a crunch time requirement so if the bulk of the repetitive work is done, not a big deal manually installing remaining software. I might rethink that once I set out to install software on 20 PC's! A good Final image will be an essential tool.

I'm thinking that with all games installed and XP you're going to have a lot of CDs for reimaging. Network imaging would be much easier and with a good network, just as fast. Not to mention that installing games individually would take forever. Punching it out simultaneously over the network and in most cases not even requiring the PC to reboot you'd be looking at an install time of maybe 20mins (initial install on one PC and then network broadcasting) for all 20 pcs instead of 10 mins per PC. And I would think that time would be an issue, if a PC is not able to be used by a customer than less $$$ for you and if you're downtimes are too long then it's possible some customers will avoid the place so they don't have to wait to play.

I'd better stop now.

No need to stop kazeakuma , so far - your posting is gold here. I certainly see your points about the time, network installation and up time. I deal w/that in my corporate environment. My personal game rig however, runs WinXP Pro, HL, OP4, CS, QIII, OfficeXP Pro, some Ontrack stuff and a few misc. Progs - all packed into 2 image CD's. I only image the data, not the whole drive.

But, I'll concede to the side of functionality and implementation - you're correct in asserting Network Installation to be the more reasonable avenue. I'll take as much information as you'll give me on the matter - or at least PM you when I need to iron out the details. Which software do you recommend for Network installs?

-Sketcher

 

[Kitros]

Oh, and BtW, think stability! When building those systems, make them 98se, strip them of everything but the essentials.

Don't go for the newest programs and OS, for that will cause you to sit endlessly in front of 20 PCs day in and day out.

 

[arod]

Originally posted by: Kitros
Oh, and BtW, think stability! When building those systems, make them 98se, strip them of everything but the essentials.

Don't go for the newest programs and OS, for that will cause you to sit endlessly in front of 20 PCs day in and day out.

I havent had a single problem in nearly a year with my XP pro machine. If you want stability go with XP pro and Office XP plus the games.

 

[Sketcher]

Originally posted by: Kitros
Oh, and BtW, think stability! When building those systems, make them 98se, strip them of everything but the essentials.

Don't go for the newest programs and OS, for that will cause you to sit endlessly in front of 20 PCs day in and day out.

You said STABILITY - well. Not that it's the Holy Grail or anything - Windows XP Professional wins hands down for the environment I'm working with.

I've run XP since Whistler Beta, I run it on 5 of my 7 computers in my home network (the two that aren't are a Novell Server and a Dual Boot Windows 2000/Linux Mandrake Server - changed some of my OS's since the last OS post ). Let's just say I'm VERY familiar with Windows Operating systems (3.1 through XP) and it's a non-issue. They'll be Windows XP Professional.

Thank you for your opinion though! If you have extensive testing and real world application experience I'd be interested in posting another thread for the topic.

-Sketcher

 

[Sketcher]

Talked with the Father-in-law:

1. Food service license is a non-issue. He'll cover it.

2. I'll use his CPA, Food/Soda vendors, Insurance Agent etc.

3. I'll likely go w/a straight business Loan and buy the goods outright vs Lease the equipment. Still ironing out the details so I won't post more about the Loan/Lease situation 'till I'm more knowledgable about it.

4. Looking for ways to enhance the PC repair side of the business. Need something to generate revenue while the gamers are away.

Will post more later,

-Sketcher

 

[HardwareAddicted]

I didn't know they were all tied up, but for the love of god, PLEASE UNTIE THEM !!!!

Maybe they all need to go wireless.....

 

[Sketcher]

Originally posted by: HardwareAddicted
I didn't know they were all tied up, but for the love of god, PLEASE UNTIE THEM !!!!

Maybe they all need to go wireless.....

Alright, I'll untie them already!

I'm testing out a Linksys Wireless gateway as we speak. Works pretty good in my home. Just as good internet downloads as being wired to my LAN, MP3 and even video streaming works quite well (heh heh, even from my neighbors front yard ). However, the 802.11b is limited to 11MB. 11MB is fine for Surfing and gaming but large file transfers choke.

I noted that D-Link was also on the shelf with a 802.11a 72MB wireless solution. Just a bit too spendy at the moment. I think Wireless will be the way to go in a year or two - but for now, price comparison to wired just isn't worth the performance bottleneck. Of course, if you want access and don't want to run cable, it's a reasonable alternative.

I have plenty of cable and DEFINITELY don't want to be bandwidth limited in the shop - Gigabit is still spendy and just a bit overkill for what's needed, so CAT 5 100MB is the modus operandi for now.

Hmmm, better get around to untying all those gamers! , Thanks!

-Sketcher

 

[Placer14]

Hey Sketch...

You are living my dream. I seriously considered setting something like this up, however my ignorance/financial situation is not optimal right now. I have zillions of ideas and have seriously searched the market and checked out competition. I'd be really interested in talking to you about a few things concerning this. I'm in the South Florida area and would even consider moving out to your area to help with things if you need it. I need an excuse to get out of here. I'll PM you more info.

A few immediate thoughts...that i can't seem to remmeber right now. I couldn't read through the whole thread, i'm going print it out when i get home and comment on each post and compile a nice reply when i get a chance. I really hope to speak with you more on this...

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

Originally posted by: Placer14
...however my ignorance/financial situation is not optimal right now....

not quite what I would be looking for in a business partner imo. :Q

 

[iamme]

careful w/ wireless. i'm sure you know the caveats...you don't want some geeks sitting behind your shop, trying to hack into your network

though it might be a cool way to draw in the non gamers. setup wireless access, ala Starbucks, for people who just want to surf the web.

 

[stev0]

Thanks for the Link stev0.

anytime, actually i've just gotten word that a fellow up here in fargo is going to be doing the same thing... interesting.

 

[Sketcher]

Originally posted by: stev0

Thanks for the Link stev0.

anytime, actually i've just gotten word that a fellow up here in fargo is going to be doing the same thing... interesting.

Can you provide any info on the fellow in fargo? I'd be interested to know what others like myself are anticipating.

-Sketcher

 

[Wolfsraider]

there is nothing worse than being crowded or having someone looking over from their space to yours lol

i like space(can you tell )

if you can afford the space:

don't group everything together for the gaming side

add more room to each "cubicle"an extra 6" on either side goes a long way

comfort to me is the key-if you aren't comfortable all the best equipement is wasted.

2 bathrooms is a good idea


good luck on your endeavor

hope this helps
mike

 

[Sketcher]

Originally posted by: Wolfsraider
there is nothing worse than being crowded or having someone looking over from their space to yours lol

i like space(can you tell )

if you can afford the space:

don't group everything together for the gaming side

add more room to each "cubicle"an extra 6" on either side goes a long way

comfort to me is the key-if you aren't comfortable all the best equipement is wasted.

2 bathrooms is a good idea


good luck on your endeavor

hope this helps
mike

Roger that Mike, Comfort is a major factor. Existing building has one large bathroom w/shower. Father in-laws burger joint next door has 2 externally accessible bathrooms.

Starting off, the building has 1000 sq ft. available - and I can expand if I make full use of that capacity. I'll add a restroom if I expand the building.

-Sketcher

 

[Sketcher]

I've started a VISIO drawing of the layout - have a few different configurations, but one that I'm willing to make available if anyone has VISIO and would like to view it. You're welcome to mark it up change the layout (but no wall changes)and send it back if you'd like to share your recommendations for a layout! The file is currently 748kb. PM me w/your e-mail addy if you're interested.

Thank you,

-Sketcher

 

[Placer14]

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX

Originally posted by: Placer14
...however my ignorance/financial situation is not optimal right now....

not quite what I would be looking for in a business partner imo. :Q

Read: My ignorance in finance.

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

Originally posted by: Placer14

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX

Originally posted by: Placer14
...however my ignorance/financial situation is not optimal right now....

not quite what I would be looking for in a business partner imo. :Q

Read: My ignorance in finance.

still not a good thing :Q

 

[GoodRevrnd]

Buy PC's with a solid upgrade path so you can just swap out a processor and vid card in a year, not the whole system. I think a P4 2.53 & a GF4400 would be the sweet spot at this time. (Dell might be a killer in the upgrade path, but if this is going to be a pc repair/sales shop, you should be running your own pcs. If people are using them and see how cool they are, that's a good potential customer. It would be foolish to use a dell in that instance.)

While having pro monitor spots where people can bring their own pcs and hook them may seem like a good idea, it really isn't. You are losing potential deskspace for an in house computer. Anytime someone is not using that space because there is no computer there you are losing money. I suppose it is different if you can KVM it and have that be a 'premium screen' computer. Still, if someone is bringing their pc in and paying $3/hr to use the premium screen, where someone else just uses the premium screen and your computer and paying $5/hr, you're still losing $2/hr. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea, I just don't think it is the most realistic option

I also think renting hardware is a terrible idea. There's too much risk, and the way prices drop it seems like you wouldn't make enough off renting it before the prices on them dropped to make it worth it.

Please don't allow the place to smell, and keep it well ACed, ventilated, and fumigated (hehe). Some places (even nice, modern, sleak looking ones) you walk into and there is just this nasty musk/BO smell. Invest in glade plugins, clear everyone out for 15 minutes every 2 hours--just do SOMETHING to keep it from smelling worse than a locker room.

Followup on the above, a mandatory break every couple hours could be helpful in avoiding eye strain lawsuits or something to that effect.

Though many people may not like headphones, I think speakers are just a bad idea. Gets too noisy and hard to hear your own speakers. Invest in good headphones w/ simulated surround.

You would be positively insane to not have a soda machine in there.

 

[GoodRevrnd]

How much money do you think you can bring in (before expenses)? Let's do a best case scenario where you have 40 computers:

5 Weekdays Su-Th @ op hours 2:00pm - 12:00am @ $3/hr; expected fill avg 28pc/hr = $4200
2 Weekend F-S @ op hours 11:00am - 2:00am @ $3/hr; expected fill avg 37pc/hr = $3330

Weekly = $7530
Monthly = $30120

This is optimal during normal season, you should be doing more summer/breaks. Figures sound decent, but what's that boil down to after expenses? Then you have to pay your FIL his cut of profits.

I suppose you get to toss in a bit more for food/drinks. Don't forget you can also supplement your income with sales and repairs. I honestly believe the whole LAN gaming aspect would be free advertising for your systems--or not free, advertising you make money off of.

So can you get by on less than those optimal figures?


BTW, you mentioned you expect to pay off loans in 5-8 years based off the equipment you by now... but if you don't upgrade internal components at LEAST every 2 years (pref 1), I'd say you're toast. With a reseller's license from your pc sales division, that shouldn't be too big a problem.