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LightWaver-67 · Mar 14, 2004, 07:12 AM

Before I attempt to do this... are there any compelling reasons NOT to do it...?

At my place of work, they are running low on workstations and since it's a small company, they don't have the budget to just keep going out and buing new computers. One suggestion I had for them was to take the graphics server which is a G4 400Mhz tower running Mac OS 9.1 Server... remove it's internal 120GB hard drive and just install it in one of the older CRT iMacs that we have lying around... yes, it will be a bit slower (I think) but then all we would need to do is just purchase another internal Hard Drive for the G4 and "BINGO!"... we have a new workstation!

I mean, since it's only serving files to TWO designers... three at most once this happens... it doesn't need to be a powerhouse computer. It is VERY rare that we are accessing files at the same time.

So... since the drive has all the OS and GRFX data (backed-up AND Archived every day) on the internal HD... shouldn't I just be able to pop it into an iMac and upon booting, it doesn't even notice a difference...?

My hope is that it won't be a problem. My only other worry pertains to backup off an iMac, but I'll start another thread. Teaser: Our current DLT-Backup drive is a SCSI device and I'm not sure of the reliability or compatability of using a FireWire to SCSI converter to attach the DLT to the iMac.

Thanks, in advance, for your insight(s).

Detrius · Mar 14, 2004, 06:31 PM

First, there is no OS 9.1 Server. There is Apple Share Server which is just an application. Also, all CRT iMacs should run OS 9.1 just fine. Yes, you should be able to just stick the drive in and have it work.

Your limiting factors on speed are going to be the drive and the network connection. As long as you weren't using gigabit ethernet, you shouldn't notice a difference with only two clients.

LightWaver-67 · Mar 15, 2004, 05:18 AM

Yep... you are correct... it is that application, not actual "server" software. (I know nothing about server stuff). Thanks for the info. Now the only stumbling block is the SCSI DLT drive.

Thanks...!!!!