Re: New Linux computer
From: David Wright (david_c_wright_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 07/10/05
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Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2005 11:22:08 +0200
Harold Stevens wrote:
> In <20050709124117.7617cb0d@efreet.linux> Kevin Nathan:
>
> [Snip...]
>
>> 'el-cheapo' boxes are probably a perfect fit, therefore.
>
> This is why I'm asking; like the OP, I'm looking for decent hardware at
> a reasonable price on noncritical SOHO setups. I'm lazy and never cared
> too much for doing my own assembly from scratch. I don't mind tinkering
> on preassembled stuff as long as it has a reputation for reliability.
I by preassembled if I am in a hurry or just need a scratch box, but for my
main workstations and servers, I always specify exactly which components go
inside. Putting the machine together isn't difficult, its just like a big
Lego set, only the connectors will mostly only fit one way round.
I have a local supplier as well, give him a list of components for a new
machine and he delivers it fully assembled and soak tested for an inclusive
price which is around what I'd pay if I mail-ordered the parts, that makes
me a happy bunny.
>> few problems with this chipset in other computers, as well.
>
> Exactly what I'm after concerning typical OEM Linspire boxen--thanks.
I usually try and use Asus boards, just never seemed to have had quality
problems with them, although one box is MSI with Award BIOS and Oak sound,
worked fine, and the old laptop is SiS chipset based. The only machine I
have problems with is the new laptop (Centrino with ATi Mobility X700
graphics, the graphics card causes problems with the install, so I can't
get it working above 800x600x16 colour at the moment, which looks dreadful
on a 1280x800 display!).
>> don't have to power-cycle the whole box just to reset the modem.
>
> I understand, but my experience is much better with internals than what
> seems to be typical. Maybe because I've used UPS backup and the filters
> most units have for telco/LAN links, for years now. I just don't have a
> big problem with most internals, IME. Just lucky, I guess. :)
>
> (Obviously, I mean real modems--I despise winmodems on principle alone)
I always used external modems (haven't used a modem since 95 I think, when I
switched to ISDN, then in 2002 I switched to Cable in England, then DSL in
Germany), not only does it give the option of reseting the modem alone,
having the flashing lights and the off switch is a nice "security" blanket
for Windows against rogue dialing software, and if the PC shouldn't be
dialing out unattended, I can just switch the modem off.
With flat-rate DSL and Linux and decent firewalls it isn't such a problem
these days...
>> what shortcuts are you referring?
>
> Mostly hardware related, like fans failing and weak power supplies. The
> PC vendors seem to prefer cutting corners there than anywhere else (and
> I don't cut them any slack convering Unca Bill's scams).
>
> Thanks again and I feel much better about tossing money at it now. :)
I bought a Medion Life PC when I first moved to Germany and it has been
running everyday for nearly 3 years without problems. The non-name P133 /
16MB box in the corner running the firewall has been running for 8 months
non-stop, the fan bearing is starting to get noisy and might need replacing
soon, but for a nearly 8 year old machine it is doing fine.
The Medion box is a little noisy compared to my old Evesham and the new
AMD64 machine.
The only hardware failures I've had in the last couple of years were a
couple of network cards, a DVD writer and my new FX5900XT video card -
although that turned out to be the stickker on the middle of the fan had
dislodged itself and got stuck in the fan blades, causing it to overheat,
luckily I found the problem before it did any damage! The card is still
running strong.
And named brands aren't immune from problems, we ordered 50 Compaq LTE's
back around 1990 and we had 50% DOA and a further 25% failed in the first
month! Until then I'd always considered Compaq the number one for
reliability! It was probably just a faulty batch, but it just goes to show
that even the best name manufacturers can have production and reliability
problems...
Dave
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