D0race

PC Hardware

The decision about the best hardware for a given installation depends on factors such as:

and so forth.  For a single-user system a "typical" PC workstation is very adequate.  Such a system might be configured as: (1) Intel or AMD cpu, 1 GHz; (2) 256 MB RAM; (3) 40 GB hard disk.  These specifications are just examples, but indicate what can be purchased in late 2001 for well under $1000.  If greater performance is an issue, specify faster processors and/or additional memory.  Other components to consider: back-up devices (tape, CD-RW, etc.), & additional storge capacity, perhaps for keeping data files locally.

Multi-user systems ("servers") are generally distinguished from workstation-class machines by the addition of components like: (1) additional processor(s); (2) extra memory; (3) larger, higher performance storage systems (SCSI, RAID, etc.).  One thing to keep in mind: a D0 software release is currently of order 6-7GB, so disk allocation must include the neccessary space for one or more releases.

A word of caution: PC hardware support under Linux (i.e., device drivers, compatibility) has improved considerably over the past couple of years as hardware manufacturers (and the Linux community) have greatly expanded the range of hardware that is Linux-friendly.  Just to be safe, however, don't assume a component will work without checking first.  Typical stumbling blocks include video adapters, network cards (NIC's), and sound cards.  Even though a component doesn't work at first don't give up too quicky -- the enormous amount of Linux resources on the web often hold the answer to a given problem.