Thru no fault of my own, I've been given a possible budget for a server - this is for a small decentralized non-profit that is still paper driven, and has been for decades. Over the years, each branch has kind of grown it's own record keeping system, and currently some are using OpenOffice, Lotus, and early Excel (and I mean early, it was complete on a Mac by 1997 and it's not trivial). Most still hand-fill the forms.
However, everyone wants to use broadband and eventually each center will convert to an OpenOffice based system (Windows mostly), so I need pointers. I've done some research, and as a first cut I'm looking at renting cycles which give me a debian box out there somewhere that I have root access to -- initially running a mail server with maybe 50 - 100 mailboxes, some kind of messaging server - jabber or it's ilk, and some kind of joint file storage, probably an ftp variant. This will mimic most of the our current usage. We'll probably leave our web site on another host for the foreseeable future to keep the traffic down on this server. So here are the first few questions. Direct answers, pointers to relevant FM's and better questions welcome: 1. Reputable providers: Who do you use that you would recommend? UML seems acceptable, since our load will be almost minuscule to begin with. At least one static ip is a must. 2. How do I get a grip on potential traffic volume? I'm sure there's a formula out there somewhere that I can plug some numbers into that will give me an approximation. This really is a shoe-string non-profit and I don't want to buy more than we really need, but if I find good deal I want to be reasonably comfortable I won't run into surcharges for excess traffic later on. 3. Instant messaging: I don't use it, have never investigated it, and know nothing. I will investigate, but a few signposts would be welcome. Any and all comments appreciated! -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
