Help with network

  • Thread starter Thread starter XThing
  • Start date Start date
X

XThing

It looks as if a small local bank is going to ask me to supply a
networked computer system to replace their existing crap system which
was supplied by a greedy unscrupulous dealer (they charged the
equivalent of USD 8000 for a crude 10kVA UPS that died in less than 1
year). I live in an isolated region of a developing country where
computers are just starting to become commonplace, and real
professional expertise is practically non-existent.

I'm not a trained computer pro myself, though I've a fairly extensive
experience in other branches of electronics. I've set up small
Windoze-based P2P networks for cyber-cafes, school classrooms and the
like, but have no experience with dedicated servers and networking
software.

I don't expect to become an instant expert from reading a few posts by
some kind souls, but they will be a big help. I'll be grateful for any
guidance, suggestions re hardware & software, pitfalls, recommended
websites and books, etc. If there's a more appropriate NG to post to,
please let me know too.

The basic requirement is for a server with about a dozen terminals and
some printers. Nothing to do with internet banking, credit card
facility, ATM, etc.

Thanks
-PJ
 
The basic requirement is for a server with about a dozen terminals
and some printers. Nothing to do with internet banking, credit card
facility, ATM, etc.
Click to expand...

Can you be more specific as to what these terminals will be used for,
what operating system they're expecting, and what software they'll be
required to run?
 
XThing said:
.... snip ...

The basic requirement is for a server with about a dozen terminals
and some printers. Nothing to do with internet banking, credit card
facility, ATM, etc.
Click to expand...

What are they going to serve, to whom, how fast, etc. The
starting point is the data and what has to be done with it.
 
XThing said:
It looks as if a small local bank is going to ask me to supply a
networked computer system to replace their existing crap system which
was supplied by a greedy unscrupulous dealer (they charged the
equivalent of USD 8000 for a crude 10kVA UPS that died in less than 1
year).
Click to expand...

Read "learn tcp/ip in 24 hours" by sams. It will give you an idea of what is
going on.
 
CBFalconer said:
What are they going to serve, to whom, how fast, etc. The
starting point is the data and what has to be done with it.
Click to expand...

My sincere thanks for the responses. To Todd H and CBFalconer's
questions :

The OS will probably be whatever I advise or install for them. For
banking software, they're using Banksoft now and will probably
continue with it. That software is supplied and maintained by a firm
literally more than 1000 miles away.

The terminals they're using are just that - terminals with access to
the central server for management of customers' accounts, internal
transactions, loans, etc. I haven't had time to examine the system in
detail, but I do know that it's veeerry slow. Again, the new system
will be pretty much whatever I set up for them. If I can give them a
more sophisticated and useful system, they'll go for it.

In short, I'm open to advice in all aspects and am hoping for more
input.

-PJ
 
It looks as if a small local bank is going to ask me to supply a
networked computer system to replace their existing crap system which
was supplied by a greedy unscrupulous dealer (they charged the
equivalent of USD 8000 for a crude 10kVA UPS that died in less than 1
year). I live in an isolated region of a developing country where
computers are just starting to become commonplace, and real
professional expertise is practically non-existent.

I'm not a trained computer pro myself, though I've a fairly extensive
experience in other branches of electronics. I've set up small
Windoze-based P2P networks for cyber-cafes, school classrooms and the
like, but have no experience with dedicated servers and networking
software.

I don't expect to become an instant expert from reading a few posts by
some kind souls, but they will be a big help. I'll be grateful for any
guidance, suggestions re hardware & software, pitfalls, recommended
websites and books, etc. If there's a more appropriate NG to post to,
please let me know too.

The basic requirement is for a server with about a dozen terminals and
some printers. Nothing to do with internet banking, credit card
facility, ATM, etc.

Thanks
-PJ
Click to expand...

I'm just glad I don't bank in India...
 
My sincere thanks for the responses. To Todd H and CBFalconer's
questions :

The OS will probably be whatever I advise or install for them. For
banking software, they're using Banksoft now and will probably
continue with it. That software is supplied and maintained by a firm
literally more than 1000 miles away.

The terminals they're using are just that - terminals with access to
the central server for management of customers' accounts, internal
transactions, loans, etc. I haven't had time to examine the system in
detail, but I do know that it's veeerry slow. Again, the new system
will be pretty much whatever I set up for them. If I can give them a
more sophisticated and useful system, they'll go for it.

In short, I'm open to advice in all aspects and am hoping for more
input.

-PJ
Click to expand...
Software and security will drive the whole program here. Until you are
sure of the software and security requirements, and what operatings systems
and software they support, you are spinning your wheels. The software
company will have information on the software and hardware requirements,
and probably have a guide on sizing, etc.. There are also backup and
reliability and other concerns that you won't have in a normal office. A
simple Peer to Peer network will not meet the security or reliability
requirements here.

Be careful you don't get in over your head. The financial well being of a
lot of people depend on you doing this right. Don't even think about the
hardware until you have looked at what they need IN DETAIL. You probably
also want to get help from their insurance company or other underwriters. A
weak or poorly thought out system may be worse than no system.

JT
 
Be careful you don't get in over your head. The financial well being of a
lot of people depend on you doing this right. Don't even think about the
hardware until you have looked at what they need IN DETAIL. You probably
also want to get help from their insurance company or other underwriters. A
weak or poorly thought out system may be worse than no system.
Click to expand...

*Important note -
C.Y.A!!
Make sure that they know up front that you are NOT responsible for data loss
or loss of revenue if the hardware fails while you are working on it. A
failing system is just that...meaning it can go at any time. You may just
start working on it when a hard drive (or 2) decides to go bad.
 
Back
Top