Recommended requirements for Mac to use as internet server on LAN

N

Námo

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Hi All

I have a LAN at home and I have finally got fed up with Windows. I wish to use a non-Windows OS as a source for the internet. When connected to the internet I will also have my laptop (WinXP) to use when I run programmes which are only compatible with that etc.

Would a G3 be enough to run more or less 24/7 on a broadband internet connection? I've had bad experiences with Windows crashing in the past and plus I'd like a break from Windows for a change.

How much RAM memory would you suggest?

Any help greatfully appreciated.
 
Is this to run a web server or mail server on or just to prvide an internet connection ? If I understand correctly you just want to use it to connect in which case a combined modem/router would be a better alternative then you can connect all machines on your LAN independantly.
 
Tommo said:
Is this to run a web server or mail server on or just to prvide an internet connection ?
Click to expand...

Just to provide an internet connection. :)

I'd like to do small performance tasks too, nothing like video capturing etc.
 
A G3 is just fine for that. However, if you are going to be doing some light work, you might want to get a slow G4...
 
The slowest they come is 350MHz, the fastest is 2.0GHZ (via a processor upgrade).

I would venture to say that most people would consider a slow G4 to be under 800MHz, give or take (we all have our limits -- I work on a 500MHz G4 and consider it to be "slow" but adequate, while others wouldn't even consider doing light work on a 500MHz G4).
 
i have to go with tommo on this one. if you are just planning on using it provide an internet connection, go with a router. they are cheaper and don't need any special software to protect from hackers. but if you are set on a mac portal, a g4 (450~600) would be good, with at least 512mb ram, no less, and at least 10.2 installed.
 
i use a 400mhz g4 as a proxy/nat and i have no issues. i am using OSX Server 10.3...

Also, of note: until October last year, the G4 was my main machine (running client 10.3, and also providing NAT services to an imac for my parents) and it worked well. Ok, i couldn't play games. but that's to be expected. Fireworks (i don't use Photoshop) wasn't the fastest, and would sometimes take a little bit to do it's wonders. but it worked. I think you'll find OSX is much more forgiving on older hardware than any version of windows.
 
sinclair_tm said:
i have to go with tommo on this one. if you are just planning on using it provide an internet connection, go with a router. they are cheaper and don't need any special software to protect from hackers. but if you are set on a mac portal, a g4 (450~600) would be good, with at least 512mb ram, no less, and at least 10.2 installed.
Click to expand...

Yeah I'll probably use a Mac like I just used my Windows PC knowing me. :) Would your answer change if I told you I was using p2p applications on it such as DC++ due to the CPU usage?
 
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