Fast forward to 2004. I just bought a server to run Microsoft Exchange for a client. That's all this server will do. The cost for a Dell 2.8-Ghz machine with 1 GB of memory (plus some extras, all needed to support Exchange, less the cost of Exchange) was $3,000.
I just bought a new server that I intend to run FreeBSD as a Web server, an e-mail server, a mailing server, a secondary DNS server and a database server. It too was from Dell, and it's a 2.0-Ghz machine with 120 mb hard drive. No extras, no frills. None needed. I will load FreeBSD, plug the server into my switch and presto, its ready to rock and roll. Total cost (after discounts and promotions off their web site) $540.
A small glitch ensued when I tried to load FreeBSD. It wouldn't load. Seems that the new Dells have a Gigabyte on-board NIC card. After running all over the Internet trying to find some help, Jeffrey Posluns of SecuritySage Inc. suggested I try Fedora Core 1, from RedHat. That not only worked, but will lead me to write another article on the experience, a new one for me. Anyway, I now have a Unix (OK, Linux) box for $540.
Anyone need a calculator??
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