need help from the computer/IT pros

drex · #1 07-25-2005, 04:44 PM

Hey everyone.

Need to set up a network for a small physician office (mine). Need the following stuff listed below.

I was hoping you all could answer the following:

1) Best (as in great prices/great equipment) source for server, and two client workstations

2) Server will go name brand, maybe workstations emachines or equivalent. suggestions?

3) RAID5 vs SCSI? I assume the raid5 is better. also, what is the difference between RAID5 and RAID 1 or 0,1?

4) What the hell is terminal server service?

5) CDrw vs DVDrw? (I would think DVD, right?)

6) Which OS? 2003 server or advanced/enterprise?

7) tape backup? ughh? any other ideas? (wouldn't a DVDrw be better though I know 4.7 vs 8gB but not much data for the first few years)

thanks for all the help!

Recommended hardware for Multi-User with 4 or more workstations, or any network planning on using ChartMaker
Dedicated server- IBM E-Server XEON/XEON MP single/dual processor or better dedicated server running Windows 2000/2003 Server or Advanced/Enterprise Server, 2 - 4GB RAM, CD-Rom, single 72GB or larger SCSI HD or RAID5 disk array with 72GB minimum, 15” or 17” flat panel or.28mm color monitor, 10/100/1000 mps Network Interface Card, Terminal Server service installed for remote support and diagnostics ( for systems supporting 10 or more users add IBM 40GB DAT tape drive with Backup Exec Server 9.0 or higher). *

For workstations - Business Class IBM, HP/Compaq or Dell (Optiplex only) using Intel Pentium4-2.4GHz or higher workstation with at least 512MB RAM, 40GB or larger HD, 17” flat panel or.28mm color monitor, Windows 2000 Professional OS, Windows XP Pro OS, CD-Rom, US Robotics 56kbps Sportster V.90 external modem, 10/100/1000 mps Network Interface Card, Symantec PcAnywhere v.9.2 installed for remote support. *

Note: All Networks Require:

Battery Backup for the server, Surge-Line Conditioner, Intel, 3COM or equivalent Ethernet 10/100 network cards on all workstations, Twisted Pair Category 5, RJ45 cable in proper length to connect each workstation to the main computer processor via an ethernet-wiring hub or switch. Twisted Pair Category 5, RJ45 cable and Ethernet network card to a wiring hub or switch. One 56 Kbps U S Robotics Sportster V90 external modem and pcAnywhere 9.2 for remote diagnostics. One HP 1300 (or better) laser printer. An HP Colorado 8GB or better tape back-up system including Back-up Exec or Stomp BackUp My PC software with 5 tapes.

Installation of Hardware Equipment and Network Software.

Hardware and/or system network set-up, cable runs, loading of the network software including MS Windows NT/2000/2003 for server and Windows 98SE/2000 Pro/XP Pro for workstations, installation and network testing are the responsibility of the company providing your hardware equipment. (We can provide installation services and/or provide Operating Systems software at an additional cost of $120/hour if requested plus price of the software.) In the event that any of the above installation activities are not performed satisfactorily we will inform you, and if STI is requested to retrofit any hardware or software our charge is $120/hour. Loading, installation, and testing of the Perfect Care software are STI's responsibility.

Network Cable

There is no labor charge for STI to run workstation cable as long as the machines are in the same room and wiring does not pass inside a wall. If you need to run workstation cable inside of walls or through walls to another room a qualified electrician is required due to fire codes, and STI cannot perform this work. For your convenience, we can subcontract the services of a company that is licensed to run computer cables behind walls for you. The approximate cost to wire one workstation through the walls is $150.00. If you choose to have us subcontract any wiring work you will be billedseparately after the work is performed. Of course, you are always free to contact your own building electrician to perform wiring and we will work with your company to provide proper wiring specifications.

Non-compliant Hardware

If your existing hardware does not meet STI minimum requirements for installation of Perfect Care for Windows or ChartMaker your office will be required to sign a hardware disclaimer prior to the software installation. STI will make a reasonable effort to use your hardware but cannot guarantee the software will install or perform properly. See attached sample STI Hardware Disclaimer

* All hardware equipment must be Y2000 compatible. Some printers are not supported.