[ILUG] RE: Network Block Devices

[Niall O Broin]

On Mon, Aug 13, 2001 at 08:56:43PM +0100, John Gay wrote:

> that boots. This kernel has 3C509 support, but not floppy support, so, even
> though the device files exist, the device itself does not. This is why the
> nbd-server can not mount the floppy.

That'd do it alright :-)

> Question: Is there a floppy module that can be loaded so I can avoid
> re-compiling the kernel? I was able to just load the nbd.o module into the
> existing kernel. If I can do the same thing with the floppy this will make

Yes, of course - it's called floppy.o and you should find it with the block
drivers.

> Yes, the server is quite small. But this is only for a proof-of-concept. I
> will set-up the system with the 200Mhz PentiumMMX server and 4 workstations
> in the Classroom for a week or two so they can see how it operates in
> practice. If they like the idea, I will take one of their existing PIII's,

Yes, but they won't like the idea if it's as slow as molasses. I shudder to
think what StarOffice on this machine will be like. Unless of course you
make it clear that "this is how it works, not how well it works".

> pack as much memory into it as I can and move the server to it. The 'old'
> server with then become another workstation. I'll also see if I can get a
> few more workstations to add to this if they are willing to spend the
> money. Also, by using Combo cards, I can use Coax to network this together,
> thereby saving the cost of a hub. Until their network grows.

Eek - in the context of current hub costs, this is a very poor idea. One
little coax problem - no network. Believe me, I've been there, and it's not
pretty.




Niall