I assume you are just using the built in file sharing capabilities of the 7200 by turning file sharing on. This is fine for light duty sharing, however actual server software will give much better throughput in an office setting. If you read the articles on Dan's website in the Online Techincal journal, http://www.lowendmac.com/tech/throughput.shtml you'll see that the 7200 isn't the bottle neck for small offices. I'm assuming it's a small office if you could use built in file sharing, as it has a 10 connection limit. To upgrade your 7200 server, I would install a 10/100Mb ethernet card, only because it is on 100Mb network with the iMacs and G4's. Again I assume that the switch or hub they all connect to are 100Mb, preferably a switch. If your network is still going through a 10bT hub, you need to upgrade that to 100bT as well. Second, I would install AppleShare server software, ver 4.1 would be fine for the 7200. Throughput is dramatically improved over the built-in services. Apple consistently throttles back the built in service to give functionality, but for more robust service you should always buy the "pro" version. (Think iMovie vs Final Cut Pro) Total cost for the network card and AppleShare v4 should be no more than $100.00, use the extra $500 for more memory for the G4's and iMacs!
James >I work at a small weekly newspaper and finally have >convinced the boss to use a computer as a server >instead of connecting via appleshare to everyone in >the office. > >This week we tried to use a 7200 with an external HD >as a server via the ethernet network and appleshare. >It worked okay, but slower than I'd like. We use OS9.1 >on G4/400s and iMacs/233, a total of 6 computers. I'm >looking at maybe a B&W G3 which would be in our price >range (around $600). > >My question to you all is this: should I look for a >bigger HD, more ram, what? Or is there a better >computer for this task? I also need it to have a scsi >port to connect the backup HD. > >Would appreciate any help and comments. > >Thanks, >Pat -- MacNetwork is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... XRouter Pro | Share your DSL or cable modem between multiple computers! Dr. Bott | Only $199 <http://www.drbott.com/prod/MIH130.html> Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> MacNetwork list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/macnet.html> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; end list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/macnetwork%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
