Small school network

[amdskip]

I inherited a computer job of a K-6 school. There isn't much of a network really right now and everything seems to work good. I was left no documentation on how things are setup so I would like to figure out what the setup is right now so when something does break I will have a better idea of how to fix it.

I believe there is a T1 line hooked up to a linux server which is then hooked up to a switch/hub for the whole building. There is a little box mounted on the wall which is the T1 I think and I have no idea what is setup as far as the server is concerned. There is just a login prompt for the server but no other identification on it. It's just an older Gateway P3 box.

Now the load for the school is not heavy at all as it is mainly the older kids using the internet. There is only 1 computer lab.

I would like to know what options I have as far as a linux based server goes so that when something does go wrong I will have some knowledge on what to do. I just need something simple. I highly doubt the switch that is in there managed. Any input/suggestions is much appreciated!

 

[InlineFive]

The first step is to figure out the admin password for the Linux box and then identify the OS. After that I would try to identify the school's needs and see if they need to upgrade their hardware.

 

[marulee]

Originally posted by: InlineFive
The first step is to figure out the admin password for the Linux box and then identify the OS. After that I would try to identify the school's needs and see if they need to upgrade their hardware.

Fair enough!

Also put some WAN port traffic control on your gateway as well. (parental control, so you do get embarrassed at sudden!)

 

[amdskip]

Alright, cool, I'll have to work on that.

I know this is the networking forum but here's another question. I'm working on specing out a new box for their library software. They are purchasing Destiny and it requires the following: Sever 2003/Server 2000/XP Pro SP2, P4 1.5-3.0ghz, 1gb-2gb memory, 18gb+ of space for raid 1 or raid 5.

The problem is that they thought they already had a server which they do (Gateway P3 compact tower running linux != server). I have not told them this yet though. They are already working on buying the $4k software so now I need to find a server. I was not given a budget but I'm sure they don't want to spend much. It will have to be a tower server as they have no rack. Does anyone know of any decent deals on a server? I've been thinking Dell outlet and CDW but where else should I look?

 

[bluestrobe]

Originally posted by: amdskip
Alright, cool, I'll have to work on that.

I know this is the networking forum but here's another question. I'm working on specing out a new box for their library software. They are purchasing Destiny and it requires the following: Sever 2003/Server 2000/XP Pro SP2, P4 1.5-3.0ghz, 1gb-2gb memory, 18gb+ of space for raid 1 or raid 5.

The problem is that they thought they already had a server which they do (Gateway P3 compact tower running linux != server). I have not told them this yet though. They are already working on buying the $4k software so now I need to find a server. I was not given a budget but I'm sure they don't want to spend much. It will have to be a tower server as they have no rack. Does anyone know of any decent deals on a server? I've been thinking Dell outlet and CDW but where else should I look?

Dell is about your best bet for a tower server. CDW is a place I avoid unless they have a massive price reduction sale as a lot of their stuff is retail+10%.

 

[nweaver]

find a good supermicro reseller. We just got Dual proc Dual core with 4GB memory and dual Sata in raid1 for about $2500 (with 3 year warranty)

 

[skyking]

For content control, I use dansguardian+squid on linux or unix. It takes a bit to get it set up properly, but it does a great job.

 

[fartbag]

I think Dell gives a huge break to schools. I'm guessing others like HP do to. I would call them first.