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From: Bruce Momjian <pgman@candle.pha.pa.us>
Message-Id: <200407120019.i6C0JME17078@candle.pha.pa.us>
Subject: Re: Do we need more emphasis on backup?
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To: pgsql-general@postgresql.org
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 2004 20:19:22 -0400 (EDT)
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New FAQ added:

    <H4><A name="3.11">3.11</A>) What computer hardware should I use?</H4>

    <P>Because PC hardware is mostly compatible, people tend to believe that
    all PC hardware is of equal quality.  It is not.  ECC RAM, SCSI, and
    quality motherboards are more reliable and have better performance than
    less expensive hardware.  PostgreSQL will run on almost any hardware,
    but if you are building a server where reliability and performance are
    concerns, it is wise to research your hardware options thoroughly.  Our
    email lists can be used to discuss hardware options and tradeoffs.</P>

Adjustments?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jim Seymour wrote:
> 
> Bruce Momjian <pgman@candle.pha.pa.us> wrote:
> > 
> > pgman wrote:
> > > Jim Seymour wrote:
> [snip]
> > > > 
> > > > My position is that your data is only as reliable as your hardware,
> > > > period.  
> [snip]
> > > 
> > > There is a basic misconception that all PC hardware is created equal ---
> > > that hard drives, mother boards, and RAM are all the same because they
> > > are all PC-compatible.  Compatible != Similar Quality.
> [snip]
> > 
> > Should I add an FAQ discussing hardware selection and the importance of
> > reliable hardware?
> 
> Scary to think that people who don't know enough about running a proper
> server, and thus have to be *told* this, are admin'ing databases.
> 
> Start with: Gotta have ECC, or at least parity-checking, RAM.
> 
> Mention the (some kinds of?) IDE drives issue.
> 
> Mention that hardware RAID systems must have battery-backed write
> cache.  (I actually had a RAID vendor, whose products no longer had
> batter-backed write cache, tell me "Just use a UPS.")
> 
> Jim
> 
> ---------------------------(end of broadcast)---------------------------
> TIP 8: explain analyze is your friend
> 

-- 
  Bruce Momjian                        |  http://candle.pha.pa.us
  pgman@candle.pha.pa.us               |  (610) 359-1001
  +  If your life is a hard drive,     |  13 Roberts Road
  +  Christ can be your backup.        |  Newtown Square, Pennsylvania 19073