Server setup hints

[Collins Richey]

[ mucho snippo ]

On 8/6/06, Net Llama! <netllama at linux-sxs.org> wrote:

> > 1. Setup a Ubuntu based server with Oracle database and tools. Initial
> > development will use the Oracle XE free tools,
>
> Other than the fact that the person running the website is an oracle
> employee, why are you using any Oracle software?

That's exactly why. If the project happens it will use Oracle
software. If you or I were coing it, we would probably choose
Postgres.

>
> >
> > 2. Initially, the server will replace the Windows IIS static pages
> > with a Ubuntu server with dynamic webpages using the Oracle backend
> > and some Oracle tools.
>
> I'm not at all clear how (or why, for that matter) you're replacing static
> content with dynamic content.  What exactly is this content?

Future flexability. Currently the site content is pictures, static
verbage, barebone soffer of T shirts, mugs etc. and invitation for
participation in projects. I'm sure the friend who is pushing the
project would like to easy updates to the site by those volunteers who
run the project. All of this is TBD.

> >
> > Here's how you can help:
> >
> > 1. The actual Ubuntu server setup is a no brainer. I've already put up
> > a model on my home machine. 64-bit is out since the Oracle XE toolset
> > is 32-bit only. The Oracel XE tools go in just fine, and I'm including
> > a very minimal X and Firefox setup (not started as a rule) for local
> > checkout.
>
> Unless Oracle has changed things in the past year or so, you need X to
> install any oracle software.

I'm sure this is true.but all you need is a web server to run the software.

>
> The database should be on a different partition than your webserver & its
> content.

That's a no brainer.

> Beyond that, the rest doesn't matter much.

Somehow Ithink it does matter. We want the system to be able to
recover from a failed drive with minimal interruption to service.


> > 4.What about Intel vs. AMD for the server? We'll be runniing 32-bit,
> > but the AMD64 chips run just fine in 32-bit mode.
>
> I doubt that its going to matter at all unless you're really using a
> significant number of Oracle features, and only thn if you're pushing alot
> of content out.
>

This site will never push out a significant amount of content.

> > 5.What about backup for this server?
>
> I'd strongly suggest rsync (over ssh) to a separate server.

My preference also, but locating a suitableseparate server could be problematic.


> > 7. What about blog and cms options for the future?

>
> It would help if we had some idea of what kind of content you're planning
> to work with.
>

For certain a blog for users to report their experiences with various
community projects and to share ideas about future projects. Anything
else is TBD in a later phase.

> >
> > 8. Any other gotchas you can think of?
>

> Well, Oracle, really.

A predictable response. Postgres would be my preference, but I'm not
the determining factor. There will be no need for extreme performance
at this site. I consider it a learning experience, even if I learn
that I don't want to choose Oracle for anything else.


-- 
Collins Richey
     If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries
     of tomorrow, you have no today to be thankful for.