Beechhurst Industries,Inc. Computer Division
An FAQ w/ screen shots is here
Statement of Services
The computer division of Beechhurst Industries is a software consulting service.
We install and configure Linux software to run networks, and we also do standalone installs.
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 developers 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 very little 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 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. SuSe is just one of them, but also has the
best package for commercial applications. You will get a lot of programs
on their disks.
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 Linux distribution can be had for ~$70. You can even get an OS disk for free, but there
won't be much bundled software and the documentation can be hard to understand.
Our Fees:
Our fee schedule is based on a billing rate of $100 per hour.
The installation and configuration of the Linux software 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.
Normally, you should not link your network directly to the Internet. If you do, someone will break into your system. You may find yourself ransoming back your data. Use a Linux based router. 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 not safe just 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. Computers are attacked within 20 seconds of connecting.
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 sixty days after the completion of your system.
Below is a screen shot of a client machine running
Win 95. It shows how this client can access it's own folder on the Linux
Server, but cannot access other folders it has not rights to see.
Requirements for a Linux based network
The server:
Processor:
I486 minimum, IP-90 or better is preferred. For
installation, we will need a three spindle machine, that is, hard drive
(2.1 Gig min.) floppy drive and a CDROM drive. Mouse is recommended. Key
board is required. 16Mb is the minimum memory requirements for a text based
(not graphical user interface) console only. If you want a GUI (Windows
like point and click) then 64Mb will be required. In addition, the
server box must be able to accommodate a network interface card if one
is not already built in, and have ports and open slots to accommodate any
other accessories you might want (port for printer,etc.)
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 Linux (SuSe is up to 11.1). 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. 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 sixty
days. We will give you administration access before this and show you
how to renew or change the passwords. You will not initially have administrative 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.
Beechhurst Industries,Inc. Computer Division
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?
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