Print Server: Suggestions on hardware and OS

[ahsia]

I've been asked to come up with some ideas for a new print server. What is the most important thing when it comes to hardware? I am sure it doesn't need a lot of compute power, so will a dual Intel PIII be overkill? How much memory? Is there much I/O where it will need a RAID config?

Also, which platform will be better? Linux or Windows 2000? Which handles print queues better? Which will be easier to manage remotely?

Thanks for your suggestions....

 

[Goosemaster]

SImply put, a 200mhz pentium is overkill. (that depends on the load. What kind of printer are you going to be using anyways and what is the situation? 10people...50.100..1000? specifics please

At home I was using win2k adv server for print sharing, and it worked great on a p166 I had laying around. Then I used SMCs router printing port..great too. Linux I assume would be even better since its requirements(overhead) are so low.


Please provide specifics...(people in networking would be a great help too)


Good luck

 

[bozo1]

Like Gooseman said, it all depends on the number of printers and users and how much printing is going on.
As far as RAID, any corporate server should be using drive mirroring (RAID 1) at least. People get real cranky when they can't print while you are rebuilding the server due to a drive failure.

I've done as many as 250 printers (1500 users) on one box, dual P3-700, and it averaged about 20-30% utilization.

 

[dartblazer]

any specific info on making a linux print server?