Questions on
final project
Q: How do I
incorporate Internet access if I am using T1 service?
A: T1 provides
the WAN connection between sites, costing approximately $1000/month. You can split it between sites (T1/4)
Some suppliers also include Internet access in the price. If not, you must add approximately
$100-400/month for high-speed Internet access. If you want this connection at more than one location, to
improve reliability, you must multiple it by the number of sites that Internet
is provided directly to.
Q: Do I need an
operating system on each of my servers? Also, where do I find prices for
cables?
A: Yes - you need
an OS. In class we looked up
the price of Windows 2003 Server - it is about $1000, plus you need to add
about $50/client. So, if you
have 50 clients (workstations) you must spent $1000 + $50*50=$3500.
Q: I have a question about the line spacing. The plan looks better single spaced but
I'm not sure if I have enough information. I might just use 1.5 spacing with double spacing between
paragraphs in the intro, proposal, and goals. Would that be alright?
A: 1.5 spacing is fine.
Q: I was just working on my tech plan and while reading the
specifications, realized that I needed a clarification. In terms of the
servers and PCs, are they already owned by the library, or do I need to
purchase them? I was thinking that I needed to buy all new PCs, but after
re-reading, I'm not sure. If the facility already owns the computers, can
I purchase more in order to expand? I know these may be silly questions-
I had an idea in my head of the assignment and I want to make sure that I'm
actually following the correct guidelines.
A: You need to purchase the new equipment. You can assume you have old, outdated
equipment that needs to be replaced.
You can also assume there is no WAN and perhaps no LANs. The PCs in place are very old - maybe
486 processors - not Pentiums.
Q: How should we determine existing technology if we are not sure
of this part? Should we make this part up?
A: You'll can makeup the existing technology configuration if you
don't know what it is for real.
Q: What kind of servers do I need at the different branches? I
mean, at my main facility I have at least 5 servers (file/print, e-mail,
application, database, and web), but at each branch what kind of server do I
have there? Is it a file/print or a multi-tasking? Also do I need a
multi-tasking server at the main facility? Can we use the computer that we built for our first
assignment for the computers we will be buying for our network?
A: For the individual branches - it really is up to you. If you have everything in one location,
then if the network goes down, you can't do anything at the branches. You have to determine what is best for
your situation and how much you want to spend. I'm not sure what you are referring to as "multi-tasking",
though. If it makes sense, you
can use the computer you selected for the first assignment - but that may
have been selected for a different reason.
A: Consultants vary from about $80 to $250/hr. Use $150/hr.
Updated 1/3/2006
University at Albany - State University of New York