OS for dell 2950 server?

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dydxbc

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Joined: 1 Oct 17
Posts: 1
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Message 81898 - Posted: 10 Oct 2017, 0:29:21 UTC

Hey to all of you-I guess I can say this is a beginners level type question. I need some advice on the cheapest version of the operating system I can use to set up a dell 2950 PowerEdge server i found. Needs new drives. All I currently are run seti and rosetta projects on my Mac laptop and old Pentium quad core gaming setup (still running vista-yikes). I really don’t want to have to buy a full version of windows just to run this thing since it is only going to run boinc projects. Can anyone help please? I’m not very knowledgeable in setting up hardware or programming and I’m teaching myself as I go with YouTube videos. Many thanks in advance.
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Coleslaw
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Joined: 23 Feb 12
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Message 81945 - Posted: 11 Oct 2017, 21:09:43 UTC
Last modified: 11 Oct 2017, 21:16:26 UTC

Windows typically gives a 30 day evaluation period without a key installed. After that it will nag you about not being genuine. However, a few VM's I run still crunch just fine without the activation. Both Win7 and 10 chugging along that way. May be a good way to test what runs best on your server and lets you track down drivers that are supported before making a purchase...

Since those (IIRC) are only dual socket servers, retail OS's should still sinstall. Drivers for the expansions is the key here. So, not sure if they will work out of the box or if you are limited to their selection here: http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/poweredge-2950/drivers
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Profile Yavanius
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Message 82580 - Posted: 4 Nov 2017, 2:51:42 UTC - in response to Message 81898.  
Last modified: 4 Nov 2017, 2:51:59 UTC

For other Linux variants, check out Distrowatch: http://www.distrowatch.com

I've seen other server specific software on there. Actually, unless you're actually planning to use it as a server, there's not necessarily a reason to install a server OS.

Linux is probably going to get you the best support in terms of recent hardware support.

If you goto http://dell.support.com , you can plug in the sticker code (6 characters usually) and that'll tell you at least what the config was it shipped with.
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Kjoshj

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Message 85826 - Posted: 11 Apr 2018, 18:25:20 UTC - in response to Message 81898.  
Last modified: 11 Apr 2018, 18:27:54 UTC

I know this is old, but was first result for “boinc Poweredge”

The Dell Poweredge 2950 is a severely outdated platform using DDR2 and FSB technology, unless you need the waste heat in winter or a colder environment, it may be worse for the planet to run the machine even if only to crunch helpful projects.

None on my servers are that old and I still don’t run them during the months that air conditioning is necessary.

That said all of my machines this fall got a fresh install of windows server 2012 Evaluation Edition that works for 180 days, about the same time they get powered down for the season.

The carbon cost of research cannot be ignored.
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Message boards : Questions and problems : OS for dell 2950 server?

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