The tbbs-land Linux Test Lab

The long-suffering SWMBO has graciously allowed me to purchase a couple of these to further my Linux education. Being a Mac guy, my Intel-based computing gear is about precisely zero. She had one question: Why do you want two? Answer: networking. THe RHCE concentrates a lot on the configuring of network services, and I don’t get much first-hand experience with that.

I figure to spend $1000-1200 total on these, learn what I need, and have two decent, small-footprint, somewhat expandable systems that can be repurposed at will later. These will fit nicely atop my Anthro cart, in close proximity to my Sun workstation, and can take advantage of my existing 4-port KVM. This may even enable me to leverage my company-provided training budget for the year, if I learn enough to pass the RHCE without taking the RH-253 course. I’ll then have funds available to take a higher-level Red Hat course that has the RHCE as a prerequisite.

That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

-k-

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7 thoughts on “The tbbs-land Linux Test Lab”

How old’s the wiring in your house???

I think wiring wise, I’ll be OK. I’ll use wireless for outside networking, and a little hub for the private network I’ll set up.

These things draw 240W, and I think the electrical part should be OK. If I have to stagger the power-up cycle, I can do that easily enough. Our place is around 20 years old, and well-wired from what I’ve been told.

-k-

Back when I was running two desktops, a laptop, and multiple routers and switches (don’t ask!), I burned up a couple of wall outlet boxes in my old house. The electrician looked at me like I was a crazy when he saw the extent of the electronic lunacy.

I take it you’re just gonna put RHEL on these instead of trying out various distros.

Good luck with the studying! Crossing fingers so you can pass the RHCE without the RHCE course!

I would have suggested buying an $800 Windows XP laptop PC, loaded it with 2GB RAM, and used free VMware Server to create two (or more) virtual Linux images. Less dough, less power usage, and a lot more portable. But that’s just me.