MEF Proposals/F2007

Fall 2007

New mirror server(s)

Background

• The CSClub is running a mirror for Debian and Ubuntu GNU/Linux distributions.
• Before this, there was no local Debian or Ubuntu mirror. We became a mirror in response to many CSClub members (and non-members) requesting this service.
• The machine that is running the mirror is under-powered and over-loaded for the task of mirroring, so we would like to replace the machine.

Who will this benefit?

• This will benefit members of the university interested in Linux and open-source software.
• We also plan to mirror additional archives as resources permit, so more people will likely benefit from this project.

What will the machine be used for?

• Mirroring Linux and other software distributions

What exactly are you asking for?

• 4U Antec case with 550W power supply ($300)
• Rails (2 x $42 = $84)
• Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R motherboard ($155)
• Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 processor ($200)
• G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ PC2-6400 4GB 2X2GB RAM (2 x $235 = $470; 8 GB total)
• Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 SATA2 160GB disk ($85; root disk)
• Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 SATA2 750GB disks (4 x $245 = $980; 3 TB total; mirror disks)
• Intel PRO/1000 PT Server Gigabit PCI Express network adapter ($95)
• APC SUA1000 UPS ($470)
• SATA cables (5 x $5 = $25)
• 120mm fan ($12)

Total = $2876

We are looking at purchases two of these servers, but we would accept funding for only one.

How would you acknowledge MEF's contribution

• We would add a notice to the main mirror page indicating that hardware was provided by the Mathematics Endowment Fund, and provide a link to MEF's site.
• We would attach a MEF sticker to the front/side of the server(s).

Anticipated questions

• CSCF runs a mirror service (mirror.cs). Why can't people use this?
  • Mirror.cs is not available to off-campus users.
  • The CSClub mirror is already established as an official Ubuntu, Debian, and OpenOffice mirror.
  • We would also like to mirror files/distributions that CSCF doesn't mirror.