However, we did not want to give up this convenient service, so I proposed that we convert the server into a Linux box, knowing that it would be much more efficient. The only issue was that the NT configuration was using 6GB of disk as a striped volume. I had heard that Linux could support such striping, but none of us had any experience with implementing it. I began research and had a trial system up and running within the day using Red Hat 4.1 and the md driver. The functionality was excellent, and the next day I began the install on the Pentium-Pro.

After a few days of installation, configuration and customization we had a Linux system that clearly out performed the previous Windows NT configuration. The system load was actually low enough that we could also use the box as an FTP server, a name server and a X client for half a dozen users, moving that load off of the production machines. After two months in operation, we haven't lost a single disk. For us, Linux has proven to be a viable, cost-effective and efficient alternative to the more costly and proprietary commercial operating systems.