Old DELL PowerEdge Server possibilities

[marsdenprimary]

Hi,

We had our server replaced a few years back and so we're left with a redundant DELL Poweredge 1600SC.

I wondered if anyone had any suggestions what I could use it for? I'd like to be able to put it somewhere for use...but i'm not sure where.

Someone suggested using it as a Linux server (which I quite like the idea of) for things like FOG etc... but I haven't a clue what i'm doing

J
x

[FN-GM]

I have one of these in store retired from years ago.

Anyway, you could use it to set out software before you put them onto servers. Might save problems down the line...

[gshaw]

Depending on the spec you could whack the free VMWare products on there and set up a test lab network so you can trial upgrades, config changes etc without worrying about affecting the live network. Very good for trialling new technologies before letting them near production

[FN-GM]

Depending on the spec you could whack the free VMWare products on there and set up a test lab network so you can trial upgrades, config changes etc without worrying about affecting the live network. Very good for trialling new technologies before letting them near production

I dont think the hardware supports virtualisation. I am 99.99% sure it doesn't

[3s-gtech]

I'm a hoarder when it comes to servers - I have some decent newer stuff running the main duties but I also have:

1 x Poweredge 2500
3 x Poweredge 2550
1 x Poweredge 1550

The 2500 is an RDP connection client - I use it as a remote Windows XP for the teachers when using Macs, to give them SIMS etc. The 2550s - one is a domain controller for the main domain, one is a DC for our staff domain, and the third runs Debian for hosting Xibo and BookIT. The 1550 was a recent Ebay buy, I'll find a use for it. All of these servers are at their max spec, dual processors, 2GB+ of RAM, and do their jobs perfectly. May be more costly on juice than VMs, but they're for disaster recovery in another building.

[dwhyte85]

My P-Edge 2850 is running ESXi - that's a free VMWare product that installs directly as an OS for the server, I don't like it as much as ESX but I'm poor. It's easy to use.

[marsdenprimary]

My P-Edge 2850 is running ESXi - that's a free VMWare product that installs directly as an OS for the server, I don't like it as much as ESX but I'm poor. It's easy to use.

This sounds interesting... is it easy to set up?

[dhicks]

I dont think the hardware supports virtualisation.

You'll still be able to run paravirtualised Linux distributions under Xen, though. I have an older machine running Debian Lenny as both host and a couple of guest operating systems.

--
David Hicks

[dwhyte85]

This sounds interesting... is it easy to set up?

https://www.vmware.com/tryvmware/

You need to sign up to get access to it, the bit you're concerned with is ESXi 4.1 - not sure on the specs required but it has a tiny footprint, burn the ISO and install from disc. Follow instructions and that's pretty much it.

[3s-gtech]

It needs hardware virtualisation and 64bit capability I believe - not too much of a stretch on more modern servers - my five year old DL360 G4 can do it.

[dwhyte85]

My DL380 does it pretty well, but I decided he'd be better as CentOS

[FN-GM]

My P-Edge 2850 is running ESXi - that's a free VMWare product that installs directly as an OS for the server, I don't like it as much as ESX but I'm poor. It's easy to use.

I didnt think the 2800 & 2850 would let you do this.

[dwhyte85]

Mine is working - I did have to fiddle abit in the bios but, works OK, i don't have 4.1 though

[oxide54]

I dont think the hardware supports virtualisation. I am 99.99% sure it doesn't

doesn't need to with esxi at least not for 32bit vm's

[oxide54]

You'll still be able to run paravirtualised Linux distributions under Xen, though. I have an older machine running Debian Lenny as both host and a couple of guest operating systems.

--
David Hicks

you run the host and the vm's on the same box?? (sorry . couldn't help it)