While cleaning up junk left behind by the sysadmin before me, I came across a Pentium 4 server in good working order. Prior to the installation of our current (dual Xeon) DC, it was used as the DC/fileserver. It has a COA sticker for Windows 2000 Server, so I guess it's a non-transferrable OEM license. Here are the specs:
- Pentium 4 @ 2.26 GHz
- 1 GB RAM
- Adaptec 2100S SCSI RAID controller
- D-Link GigE PCI card
- (4) 36.7GB Ultra320 SCSI drives
There used to be a fifth drive, but in my testing I determined that it failed (maybe the reason it was replaced in the first place?). Of course, once I removed the failed drive and rebuilt the array (RAID-10) it got along just fine. I work for a small office that only has 3 real servers, so it seems a shame to throw away working hardware just because it's old.
Here are the options that I'm currently considering:
- Install Linux and use it as a non-essential intranet web server (wiki?)
- Development/testing web server (probably Linux again)
- Donate to local charity or school
- Recycle
What would you suggest?
Best Answer
Keep it until a use appears. Or give it to someone who has a use for it. Or use it as an extra level of backup. You can never have too many backups.