The computer division of Beechhurst Industries is a software consulting service. We install and configure Linux software to run networks.
In solving the computer system requirements of our
manufacturing operations, we have developed resources which can be beneficial
to other
companies that are trying to resolve network and software issues.
Some history:
In 1988, we needed a true multitasking operating
system. Windows 3.1 was just not capable of providing the stable environment
we needed.
Unix was not a solution as we did not wish to hire a Phd. We started
using IBM's OS/2, and it served us well for many years. (You can see
our products at www.beechhurst.com)
Eventually our networking , internet, and data needs
developed beyond the capabilities of OS/2. We started, in small steps,
converting to
Linux. Linux is a Unix-like operating system. It is open source, which
makes it very flexible and allows the participation of software devel-
opers everywhere. Linux is also freely available under the terms of
the GNU Public License. This means no license fees, no restrictions on
how
many computers are linked to your server, and one copy of your purchased
distribution can be loaded into as many computers as you like.
With a Linux operating system, you can run a stable,
secure, network server without the chronic problems associated with other,
less capable
operating systems. You will not need a site license. Linux is a true
multitask (many processes running at once), and, very importantly, true
multi-user system. With the security services that are built into Linux,
no one user can trash anybody else's work. The system is designed
to be controlled by one administrator, and all other users have available
only what the system administrator allows. And what is probably
most important, the actual users can continue to use their present
computers and software!
Linux is supremely stable. Once the system is set
up and functioning properly, you can just let the box run. There is no
need for rebooting
and resetting a control panel. No more reloading software. No more
blue screen of death. A Linux system needs virtually no maintenance. The
system administrator does have to monitor system activity, to verify
security has not been compromised, or that an allowed user is not abusing
their access privileges.
How can we help you?
We install and configure Linux software to
run networks. The networking requirements of many companies are really
quite simple, if you under stand networks and the operating systems which
run them. Unfortunately, many business operations are such that no one
has the time to go
through the poorly written, thousand page manuals. The Phd types who
completely understand this stuff and have the degrees to prove it can
command colossal salaries.
We understand the Linux operating system and
the network environment that it can run. We have solved these problems
here at Beechhurst
Industries. We can install the Linux software and configure it to run
your server and provide service to the users who have to connect to it.
Here is what we don't do:
We do not sell hardware.
These products have become commodity items and we do not want
to get involved in hardware pricing issues.
We do not install wiring.
It is analogous to using extension cords. The physical wiring is really
a very simple issue and there are lots of people who can competently
deal with it.
We do not sell software.
Linux distributions by Red Hat are commercially popular enough that
you can pick up a copy almost anywhere. We want you to purchase a copy
because it will come with documentation which you will want to have available.
A distribution is a collection of software packages assembled by
a value added reseller. Red Hat is just one of them, but also has the
best package for commercial applications. You will get a lot of programs
on their CD's.
What will it cost?
The following pricing scheme will give you
a ballpark idea of what you will have to spend:
Hardware you may have to buy:
The server: the server does not have to be
the latest and greatest. We picked up an IBM P-90 off lease for $200. A
large hard drive can be had
new for $150. Each computer is going to need a network card and they
run from $20 to $70 each.
A hub: you will need a hub to link the wiring.
A six port hub (5 computers and 1 server) will be about $25 to $70. A 24
port hub runs $140
to $310.
Wiring: you can start with RJ45 patch cords
for $12 each. This is just like getting additional wiring for extension
phones.
Software: A Red Hat Linux distribution can
be had for $70.
Our Fees:
Our fee schedule is based on a billing rate
of $100 per hour.
The installation and configuration of the
Linux software (Red Hat distribution) on your server will be about $200.
Each computer that will
be connected to the Linux server must also have its software configured
at a cost of about $50 each. These prices do not include installing any
additional hardware that you might need. We can, for instance, install
a new hard drive on your present server, and install networkcards in
your individual computers.
So, for example, if you already have a network
running with 15 computers attached to one server, and want to upgrade
to Linux, we will
charge you about $ 950.
This is what you will have:
A stable, simple client/server network. The
server, running Linux, can be used as the main repository for your critical,
private data. The
server should run continuously, and never be shutdown. The clients
will be the other computers you have, running your present software,
and
will have access to the resources (data and if attached, printer(s))
on the server. Clients (the other computers and users) will be able to
share data across the network without having to run around with floppy
disks. Users will not be able to access data that they are not allowed
to see.
This is what we avoid:
Large networks which are so complex that they
require the services of a full time administrator.
Firewalls and full time Internet connections.
Normally, you should not link your network to the Internet with a permanent
connection . If you do, someone will break into your system. You
may find yourself ransoming back your data. Any computer which you
choose to connect to the internet should not contain any data that you
have to protect. A dial up connection is sort of safe because the computer
will have a different Internet address each time it connects, but
if you are connected more then a few hours each day, eventually, some
one will break into your computer.
Follow up support:
You will receive 30 minutes of phone support
(eight hours max) for each $200 you spend with us. Linux is supremely stable,
and does not self
break requiring a reinstallation. You will be given administration
access to your server after we have verified that everything functions
correctly. This usually takes about two weeks of problem free running.
For security reasons, all initial passwords
will expire thirty days after the completion of your system.
Requirements for a Linux based network
Monitor:
any old 15 inch color will do as the server should
have server duties only. We do not recommend that you also use your
server as an
everyday computer workstation. Old IBM desktop units can be had for
very little and have the ability to lock a door, closing access to the
floppy and CDROM. This is very good for security. You should think
about where the server box will be. A secure location, like a locked
closet is best
The workstations:
The computers you are using now will be fine if
there is a slot available for installing a network interface card. There
are different
speeds available. You should browse some computer catalogs to learn
about features and pricing. You will also need at least one hub to link
the cables together.
Wiring:
RJ45 patch cords are very inexpensive and
can be bought in lengths up to 100 feet. The wiring can be permanently
installed, just like phone
wiring if you wish. You must know the greatest physical distance between
the farthest workstation and the server.
Software:
Purchase the latest edition of Red Hat Linux
(it is up to 7.2 now and SuSe is up to 8.0). This will provide you with CD's containing a boat
load of software,
electronic documentation, a hard copy manual and a registration you
can send in for support from Red Hat. Start going through the manuals and
familiarize yourself with what is there. Don't send in the registration
just yet. You should wait until you have run into a problem that you
really know you will need additional help for. When you are just learning
the system, support will be wasted as you won't even know what
questions to ask. Remember, that eventually, you will be maintaining
your own system.
Information we will need to proceed:
Security will be provided by setting up separate
user accounts for each and every user who logs onto a computer that will
have server access.
Therefore, we will need a list containing all the login names and the
password each will initially use. You should also, on this list, let us
know who should have access to what resources on the server. We will
also need to know what you will be using your network for so we can
make sure you start with enough capacity. For security reasons, after
completion of the setup, all passwords will expire at the end of thirty
days. We will give you administration access before this and show you
how to renew or change the passwords. You will not initially have ad-
ministrative access to the server so that you can be confident that
you won't be able to break anything - we will need about two weeks of
proper functioning to make sure everything works as planned.
Payment:
Payment is due, in full, upon completion of
the installation and setup of the network.
Linux based network worksheet
Do you have a functioning network now?____________
If the above is yes, what type of wiring are
you using?_____________
If you have a network, what operating system
are you using?___________
How many computers will connect to your network?_______________
Do you have a secure location for the server
box?_______________
What will be the greatest physical distance
between the farthest computer and the server?_________________
What operating system is on your other computers?________________
How many users (people) will need access to
your network?______________
Who will handle network administration?___________________
Have you installed operating systems before?________________
Have you changed internal hardware before?_________________
What do you want the network to do for you?