alt.certification.network-plus - Building a testbed network: best sources and configs?

Author

Building a testbed network: best sources and configs?

jatkin02

2002-09-06, 3:28 pm

To all:

I am just getting started with the MCSE track and need to build a testbed
network at home. I can't afford to buy 3-7 new computers, so I'm looking
for used and scrounged equipment.

Question #1: What sources have worked best for you in acquiring used gear.
Computer shops? Internet? Various businesses?

Question #2: What configurations have you found most useful for study
purposes? I'm thinking 1 Win2k server, 1 or 2 Win2k and/or NT clients, a
second Win2k server for multiple domain work, a box or two for Win9x and
Linux clients and/or to set up a test Novell server. A KVM switch or two for
space saving...

Any and all responses appreciated. Thank you...

James Atkinson

Bart Kalita

2002-09-06, 4:28 pm

Just few things:

1. testbed it's something you test computer components not networks, but
that's just semantics
2. What about switches and hubs and Netware and...
3. Just a question, since I'm not a doctor, are you insane or just have
money to burn??

Bart

P.S. Most of the guys who passed MCP have at least some experience in
working in IT departments, appart from that 13 Year old but there is always
one like a chick in a wedding dress at The Sisters of Mercy gig, So If you
have none I would think hard before making any decisions.

"jatkin02" <james.atkinson@benchmarkxeroxnospam.com> wrote in message
news:717e9.30171$%P6.7117408@e3500-atl1.usenetserver.com...
> To all:
>
> I am just getting started with the MCSE track and need to build a testbed
> network at home. I can't afford to buy 3-7 new computers, so I'm looking
> for used and scrounged equipment.
>
> Question #1: What sources have worked best for you in acquiring used
gear.
> Computer shops? Internet? Various businesses?
>
> Question #2: What configurations have you found most useful for study
> purposes? I'm thinking 1 Win2k server, 1 or 2 Win2k and/or NT clients, a
> second Win2k server for multiple domain work, a box or two for Win9x and
> Linux clients and/or to set up a test Novell server. A KVM switch or two
for
> space saving...
>
> Any and all responses appreciated. Thank you...
>
> James Atkinson
>
>
>

Bart Kalita

2002-09-06, 5:28 pm

Steven L Umbach

2002-09-06, 11:29 pm

I consider three machines a minimum with four or five ideal. You will
probably want to configure one as the "main" 24/7 server and the others can
be dual or triple booted to various operating systems/domain configrations.
W2K Server can act as a client also. If you have W2K Pro that is great as
you will want to learn how to auto install it with RIS, though you can use
W2K Server for a RIS install though it is undocumented. Try to get an
evaluation copy of NT4.0 Server (available in some old training books on
Ebay etc.) . You will want to learn how to integrate it and upgrade it to
W2K. I highly rcommend buying Mark Minasi's book - Mastering Windows 2000
Server 4th edition as your FIRST read, it is an excellent work. Cheap old
computers work fine. I recommend anything PII or faster with at least 128MB
(64 will work, but very slow) and a 4G or larger hard drive so you have room
to dual boot. Ebay is an excellent source for used computers. You can get
what you need for about $150 each without monitor. You will want at least
two monitors. Good luck. --- Steve

http://www.bookpool.com/.x/43yghkhd24/sm/0782140432
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...item=2052200301
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...item=2052118961
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...item=2052425281

"jatkin02" <james.atkinson@benchmarkxeroxnospam.com> wrote in message
news:717e9.30171$%P6.7117408@e3500-atl1.usenetserver.com...
> To all:
>
> I am just getting started with the MCSE track and need to build a testbed
> network at home. I can't afford to buy 3-7 new computers, so I'm looking
> for used and scrounged equipment.
>
> Question #1: What sources have worked best for you in acquiring used
gear.
> Computer shops? Internet? Various businesses?
>
> Question #2: What configurations have you found most useful for study
> purposes? I'm thinking 1 Win2k server, 1 or 2 Win2k and/or NT clients, a
> second Win2k server for multiple domain work, a box or two for Win9x and
> Linux clients and/or to set up a test Novell server. A KVM switch or two
for
> space saving...
>
> Any and all responses appreciated. Thank you...
>
> James Atkinson
>
>
>

Steven L Umbach

2002-09-07, 12:29 am

70-228

2002-09-07, 2:28 am

"Steven L Umbach" <n9rou@nsattbi.com> wrote in message
> what you need for about $150 each without monitor. You will want at least
> two monitors. Good luck. --- Steve

I agree with most of what he said except about the monitors. You only need
one and make it a GOOD one because you'll be staring at it a lot. I use an
LCD and would never go back to CRT for studying. Just get a
keyboard/mouse/monitor switch (don't buy a Belkin or something massively
expensive for that) and you can access ALL the PCs from one set of
peripherals. I use a £20 jobbie that switches 4 ways.

Also make sure you have plenty of nics. It's useful when studying routing to
have 2 PCs with multiple nics in them. Those cost £5 each out of bargain
bins.

70-228

2002-09-07, 3:28 am

DenverBob

2002-09-09, 12:29 am

I agree with most, but I'm a strong beleiver in removable hard drives. MUCH
easier to deal with than dul or triple boot configurations. I have a 7
computer lab in my home (mostly Athlon systems), and I use it extensively
for solving work problems as well. I have 2 or 3 hard drives for each
system, and removable bays which can be bought for $10.00 to $25.00 from
many places (Tiger Direct, etc.). Be sure you have plenty of NIC cards, and
a couple cheap 10/100 switches.

DenverBob

"Steven L Umbach" <n9rou@nsattbi.com> wrote in message
news:Qqfe9.328568$me6.38057@sccrnsc01...
> I consider three machines a minimum with four or five ideal. You
will
> probably want to configure one as the "main" 24/7 server and the others
can
> be dual or triple booted to various operating systems/domain
configrations.
> W2K Server can act as a client also. If you have W2K Pro that is great as
> you will want to learn how to auto install it with RIS, though you can use
> W2K Server for a RIS install though it is undocumented. Try to get an
> evaluation copy of NT4.0 Server (available in some old training books on
> Ebay etc.) . You will want to learn how to integrate it and upgrade it to
> W2K. I highly rcommend buying Mark Minasi's book - Mastering Windows 2000
> Server 4th edition as your FIRST read, it is an excellent work. Cheap old
> computers work fine. I recommend anything PII or faster with at least
128MB
> (64 will work, but very slow) and a 4G or larger hard drive so you have
room
> to dual boot. Ebay is an excellent source for used computers. You can get
> what you need for about $150 each without monitor. You will want at least
> two monitors. Good luck. --- Steve
>
> http://www.bookpool.com/.x/43yghkhd24/sm/0782140432
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...item=2052200301
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...item=2052118961
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...item=2052425281
>
>
>
> "jatkin02" <james.atkinson@benchmarkxeroxnospam.com> wrote in message
> news:717e9.30171$%P6.7117408@e3500-atl1.usenetserver.com...
> > To all:
> >
> > I am just getting started with the MCSE track and need to build a
testbed
> > network at home. I can't afford to buy 3-7 new computers, so I'm
looking
> > for used and scrounged equipment.
> >
> > Question #1: What sources have worked best for you in acquiring used
> gear.
> > Computer shops? Internet? Various businesses?
> >
> > Question #2: What configurations have you found most useful for study
> > purposes? I'm thinking 1 Win2k server, 1 or 2 Win2k and/or NT clients,
a
> > second Win2k server for multiple domain work, a box or two for Win9x and
> > Linux clients and/or to set up a test Novell server. A KVM switch or two
> for
> > space saving...
> >
> > Any and all responses appreciated. Thank you...
> >
> > James Atkinson
> >
> >
> >
>
>

DenverBob

2002-09-09, 1:29 am

Jeffrey L. Woods

2002-09-09, 4:28 am

In article <hkWe9.197$xi6.80288@news.uswest.net>, bob@nospamdenver.net
says...

> I agree with most, but I'm a strong beleiver in removable hard drives. MUCH
> easier to deal with than dul or triple boot configurations.

And MUCH more expensive. Dual booting isn't at all difficult with
third party software. My machines each boot six ways or more, often
with multiple installations of each O/S for different configurations.
Instead of "Start/Shutdown/Restart" it's "Start/BootNow/2KP-CFG1".

Jeffrey L. Woods

2002-09-09, 5:28 am

jatkin02

2002-09-09, 1:29 pm

Thanks to all who have responded thus far. I am settled on what I need as
far as hardware and software goes.

My primary question, however, remains "where do you have the best luck
finding inexpensive gear"? One poster mentioned eBay/Half.com, which is a
given. But have you run across other sources that have served you well and
might be available in one form or another in any decently sized town or
city? Computer shops? Libraries/schools? Factories at the end of a fiscal
year? Etc. You hear stories of folks with dozens of computers that they
have cabbaged together essentially from found parts and overlooked
systems...unique situation or replicable with some due diligence?

Thanks again,

--James Atkinson

PS: Bart--I have the experience and am not 13 years old. I just need a
network at home if I'm going to repartition a server 20 times before dinner.
Thanks.

"Bart Kalita" <beta@bart-domain.com> wrote in message
news:OtrVIKfVCHA.1624@tkmsftngp10...
> Just few things:
>
> 1. testbed it's something you test computer components not networks, but
> that's just semantics
> 2. What about switches and hubs and Netware and...
> 3. Just a question, since I'm not a doctor, are you insane or just have
> money to burn??
>
> Bart
>
> P.S. Most of the guys who passed MCP have at least some experience in
> working in IT departments, appart from that 13 Year old but there is
always
> one like a chick in a wedding dress at The Sisters of Mercy gig, So If you
> have none I would think hard before making any decisions.
>
> "jatkin02" <james.atkinson@benchmarkxeroxnospam.com> wrote in message
> news:717e9.30171$%P6.7117408@e3500-atl1.usenetserver.com...
> > To all:
> >
> > I am just getting started with the MCSE track and need to build a
testbed
> > network at home. I can't afford to buy 3-7 new computers, so I'm
looking
> > for used and scrounged equipment.
> >
> > Question #1: What sources have worked best for you in acquiring used
> gear.
> > Computer shops? Internet? Various businesses?
> >
> > Question #2: What configurations have you found most useful for study
> > purposes? I'm thinking 1 Win2k server, 1 or 2 Win2k and/or NT clients,
a
> > second Win2k server for multiple domain work, a box or two for Win9x and
> > Linux clients and/or to set up a test Novell server. A KVM switch or two
> for
> > space saving...
> >
> > Any and all responses appreciated. Thank you...
> >
> > James Atkinson
> >
> >
> >
>
>

jatkin02

2002-09-09, 2:29 pm

Bart Kalita

2002-09-09, 4:28 pm

> PS: Bart--I have the experience and am not 13 years old. I just need a
> network at home if I'm going to repartition a server 20 times before
dinner.
> Thanks.

Dear James,

Since You have experience, Microsoft states that audience for the exams
should have at least a year, - Weather You are 13 or not does not matter
apart from the pure idea that Kids would have far more fun building all
those computers from second hand parts - I still see no point in building a
network at home.

One machine with dual GOOD monitor, triple is SO cool!!

, and a VMware is
all that I needed... well I have a laptop as well. Although I must say that
I worked as an administrator for 3 years before I took the exams.

and WHY in the name of GOD would you repartition disks on a server 20 times
I simply can not fathom!!! Just pick up a book pick, up a brew and read,
read, read....

All the best whatever you decide to do!

Bart

Bart Kalita

2002-09-09, 5:28 pm

jatkin02

2002-09-12, 2:29 pm

Bart:

Aside from certification study, I also want to use the home network for
various work-related things as well, like introduce various flavors of Linux
and Macintosh clients onto the network (the Macs I already have at home),
mix wired, 802.11b, Bluetooth configurations, and so forth. Don't want to
rely on VMWare to do that work...too many variables with the hardware.

And I probably wouldn't end up repartitioning 20 times before dinner---but I
will end up doing a goodly number of things I wouldn't want to try on my
production gear.

Thanks for the advice.

JA

"Bart Kalita" <beta@bart-domain.com> wrote in message
news:eJddzyEWCHA.1660@tkmsftngp09...
>
>
> > PS: Bart--I have the experience and am not 13 years old. I just need a
> > network at home if I'm going to repartition a server 20 times before
> dinner.
> > Thanks.
>
>
> Dear James,
>
> Since You have experience, Microsoft states that audience for the exams
> should have at least a year, - Weather You are 13 or not does not matter
> apart from the pure idea that Kids would have far more fun building all
> those computers from second hand parts - I still see no point in building
a
> network at home.
>
> One machine with dual GOOD monitor, triple is SO cool!!

, and a VMware
is
> all that I needed... well I have a laptop as well. Although I must say
that
> I worked as an administrator for 3 years before I took the exams.
>
> and WHY in the name of GOD would you repartition disks on a server 20
times
> I simply can not fathom!!! Just pick up a book pick, up a brew and read,
> read, read....
>
> All the best whatever you decide to do!
>
> Bart
>
>

jatkin02

2002-09-12, 3:34 pm

2002-09-25, 4:29 pm

I have about 5 complete systems ranging from p 120 to p150.

albeit they will not be suitable as servers running win2k, they will suffice
as clients.

200 for all of them

"jatkin02" <james.atkinson@benchmarkxeroxnospam.com> wrote in message
news:717e9.30171$%P6.7117408@e3500-atl1.usenetserver.com...
> To all:
>
> I am just getting started with the MCSE track and need to build a testbed
> network at home. I can't afford to buy 3-7 new computers, so I'm looking
> for used and scrounged equipment.
>
> Question #1: What sources have worked best for you in acquiring used
gear.
> Computer shops? Internet? Various businesses?
>
> Question #2: What configurations have you found most useful for study
> purposes? I'm thinking 1 Win2k server, 1 or 2 Win2k and/or NT clients, a
> second Win2k server for multiple domain work, a box or two for Win9x and
> Linux clients and/or to set up a test Novell server. A KVM switch or two
for
> space saving...
>
> Any and all responses appreciated. Thank you...
>
> James Atkinson
>
>
>

2002-09-25, 5:28 pm

2002-09-25, 9:29 pm

>
> P.S. Most of the guys who passed MCP have at least some experience in
> working in IT departments, appart from that 13 Year old but there is
always
> one like a chick in a wedding dress at The Sisters of Mercy gig, So If you
> have none I would think hard before making any decisions.
>

Not always the case bart. Although I have 3 years of technical support
experience (software support), I have no experience networking in Windows
2000, Active Directory, or many of the other features of the MCP exams. Now
that I have studied it and familiarized myself with it at school, I am
confident I can pass. The key is to mess around with it (building yourself
a network or at the minimum have a Windows 2K machine at home where you can
familirize yourself with some of the features should be enough).

On where to find the hardware, the internet is the best place Ive found for
good deals. www.cnet.com www.egghead.com and http://www.newegg.com

2002-09-25, 10:29 pm

Laura A. Robinson

2002-09-26, 1:29 am

circa Fri, 6 Sep 2002 23:14:14 +0100, in
microsoft.public.cert.exam.mcse, Bart Kalita (beta@bart-domain.com)
said,
> one like a chick in a wedding dress at The Sisters of Mercy gig,
>
I didn't think anybody else had even heard of the Sisters of Mercy.

Laura
--
Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
-Groucho Marx

Laura A. Robinson

2002-09-26, 2:28 am

Tom MacIntyre

2002-09-26, 4:28 am

On Thu, 26 Sep 2002 02:24:42 -0400, "Laura A. Robinson"
< firstinitiallastname@technolog
ist.com> wrote:

>circa Fri, 6 Sep 2002 23:14:14 +0100, in
>microsoft.public.cert.exam.mcse, Bart Kalita (beta@bart-domain.com)
>said,
>> one like a chick in a wedding dress at The Sisters of Mercy gig,
>>
>I didn't think anybody else had even heard of the Sisters of Mercy.
>
>Laura

It probably got into a Fresh Prince pickup line... :-)

Tom

Tom MacIntyre

2002-09-26, 5:29 am

Laura A. Robinson

2002-09-26, 3:29 pm

circa Thu, 26 Sep 2002 09:44:09 GMT, in
microsoft.public.cert.exam.mcse, Tom MacIntyre
(tom__macintyre@hotmail.com) said,

> >> one like a chick in a wedding dress at The Sisters of Mercy gig,
> >>
> >I didn't think anybody else had even heard of the Sisters of Mercy.
> >
> >Laura
>
> It probably got into a Fresh Prince pickup line... :-)
>
probably true...
--
Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
-Groucho Marx

Laura A. Robinson

2002-09-26, 4:29 pm

~Nitestar~

2002-10-02, 12:50 pm

On Fri, 6 Sep 2002 15:22:31 -0400, "jatkin02"
<james.atkinson@benchmarkxeroxnospam.com> wrote:

>To all:
>
>I am just getting started with the MCSE track and need to build a testbed
>network at home. I can't afford to buy 3-7 new computers, so I'm looking
>for used and scrounged equipment.
>
>Question #1: What sources have worked best for you in acquiring used gear.
>Computer shops? Internet? Various businesses?
>
>Question #2: What configurations have you found most useful for study
>purposes? I'm thinking 1 Win2k server, 1 or 2 Win2k and/or NT clients, a
>second Win2k server for multiple domain work, a box or two for Win9x and
>Linux clients and/or to set up a test Novell server. A KVM switch or two for
>space saving...
>
>Any and all responses appreciated. Thank you...
>
>James Atkinson
>
>

James,

While all the sounds good, dont forget to also have a good paying job
as well to go for the electric bill to come each month. LOL!!!

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