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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Upgrading
amc1330 - Jul 18, 2005 - 2:02 pm
Our small business involves sale of industrial equipment to manufacturers. I currently have a small network with 3 PowerMacs running 9.2, 1 PowerBook running OSX, an HP LaserJet and an old Mac clone used as a fileserver.
Up until now, have managed to operate well enough with the old system, but realize we must finally take the plunge and upgrade to the 21st century.
Our needs are somewhat simple. We use FileMaker6 for all sales functions such as quoting, invoicing, project tracking, etc... Each user needs access to those files. We do basic emailing and basic word processing and have a cable modem for internet access. Our printing needs are currently well served by our HP printer.
Although I have an adequate recommendation from my local Apple reseller, am also looking for advice from someone who is not selling hardware.
Would appreciate any advice you have to offer in setting up a basic network.
Up until now, have managed to operate well enough with the old system, but realize we must finally take the plunge and upgrade to the 21st century.
Our needs are somewhat simple. We use FileMaker6 for all sales functions such as quoting, invoicing, project tracking, etc... Each user needs access to those files. We do basic emailing and basic word processing and have a cable modem for internet access. Our printing needs are currently well served by our HP printer.
Although I have an adequate recommendation from my local Apple reseller, am also looking for advice from someone who is not selling hardware.
Would appreciate any advice you have to offer in setting up a basic network.
skapp - Jul 18, 2005 - 5:27 pm
Since you are asking for business consulting services, are you willing to pay for this information?
amc1330 - Jul 18, 2005 - 5:59 pm
Thank you for your reply, however, I have other resources for Mac consultants.
Since it's been some time since I've purchased any hardware, I'm just looking for some very, very general advice, in particular, more recent experiences from someone who doesn't stand to profit from the transaction (hardware seller, consultant, etc..
If that's not available here, I'll check the forums.
Since it's been some time since I've purchased any hardware, I'm just looking for some very, very general advice, in particular, more recent experiences from someone who doesn't stand to profit from the transaction (hardware seller, consultant, etc..
If that's not available here, I'll check the forums.
skapp - Jul 18, 2005 - 7:43 pm
Well, these forums are mostly intended to help Mac users troubleshoot problems with their computers rather than provide general consulting services. You have a valid concern, but I think you would be better off getting other bids on your needs from competing suppliers or paying an independent consultant to spec your needs precisely before requesting bids.
I could certainly give you advice but were I you, I would not consider the advice of someone who never saw my business, had no sense of what you did, how you do it, who your service market is, etc. to be of much value. Furthermore, your needs may extend beyond simply the hardware requirements of a network since you have software needs as well.
So, my "free" advice, Anne, is find someone local and pay them to help you. If you do things right the first time, you will save a lot of time and money by not having to do it right the second time. Any good craftsman will tell you, "Measure twice, cut once."
I could certainly give you advice but were I you, I would not consider the advice of someone who never saw my business, had no sense of what you did, how you do it, who your service market is, etc. to be of much value. Furthermore, your needs may extend beyond simply the hardware requirements of a network since you have software needs as well.
So, my "free" advice, Anne, is find someone local and pay them to help you. If you do things right the first time, you will save a lot of time and money by not having to do it right the second time. Any good craftsman will tell you, "Measure twice, cut once."
Cheryl - Jul 18, 2005 - 9:53 pm
Anne,
Stephen is correct as it would be hard for us to recommend a specific model or models for your business.
How old are the PowerMac's running OS9? Are they G3s or G4s. If they are G4's you can upgrade to OS X on each of them depending on the hard drive space, and memory installed. They will probably need to have firmware updates installed before you do the install of OS X.
If those machines are G3s, you may want to replace them as upgrading to OS X, the only G3 that can handle the latest OS X version is the Blue & White G3. The others can only handle 10.2.8. They also need firmware updates installed as well as more memory installed.
You will also have to invest in a word processor for OS X, as well as FileMaker.
As for your file server, you can go with a Server or a meaty G5 set up as a server running OS X Server.
I am assuming that the HP printer is connected via ethernet to all the machines. The printer can be kept as long as it is not really old. Hp print drivers are included in the latest OS X version.
I hope this gives you some idea of the equipment you need.
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
Stephen is correct as it would be hard for us to recommend a specific model or models for your business.
How old are the PowerMac's running OS9? Are they G3s or G4s. If they are G4's you can upgrade to OS X on each of them depending on the hard drive space, and memory installed. They will probably need to have firmware updates installed before you do the install of OS X.
If those machines are G3s, you may want to replace them as upgrading to OS X, the only G3 that can handle the latest OS X version is the Blue & White G3. The others can only handle 10.2.8. They also need firmware updates installed as well as more memory installed.
You will also have to invest in a word processor for OS X, as well as FileMaker.
As for your file server, you can go with a Server or a meaty G5 set up as a server running OS X Server.
I am assuming that the HP printer is connected via ethernet to all the machines. The printer can be kept as long as it is not really old. Hp print drivers are included in the latest OS X version.
I hope this gives you some idea of the equipment you need.
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
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