[ale] Moving last win box to linux

[Alex Carver]

This is a recommendation for two different systems. One is the 
replacement desktop (which would likely run Windows in a VM for some of 
the software that I need) and the other is a motherboard that can handle 
lots of LSI SAS cards. I need large storage volumes hence the use of the 
LSI SAS cards. The Pi is not a suitable replacement for my needs 
(multimonitor, CAD, data analysis so lots of RAM, too). Plus the 
computer I have will not run Windows 11 because it lacks the required 
hardware like the TPM. Donating it to someone would result in it getting 
thrown away.

I currently have over 50 TB of storage and it will likely grow even more 
over time. Being able to add multiple SAS cards to a full-sized machines 
(and hold all the drives, too) is important.

On 2025-09-12 23:17, Old Old Jimma From the Old Country wrote:
> 
> I had a Lenovo desktop that had Win10 and couldn't be upgraded.
> 
> If all you need is a client that backs up other computers in your home, (eg, buy doing rsync over ssh of a network with static IP addresses) I'd recommend this:
> 
> * DONATE YOUR COMPUTER TO A KID THAT CANNOT AFFORD ONE BUT NEEDS A WIN ENVIRONMENT FOR SCHOOL, and then
> * buy a Pi 5 to be the client that back up your home networks' computers.Here's one link that explains how to get it done: https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-use-rsync-to-sync-local-and-remote-directories
> 
> A Pi 3 will be entirely adequate for this and you can buy one used that works fine on Ebay for $20.  Or, if you want to feed the aligator, buy a new Pi 5 for $120 on Amazon. I recommend against that Amazon option... you'll need to spend a little more money for the cables and monitor for your Pi 4, and after you've got it set up, you'll never look back and will think you are a genius for saving money. If you don't need the saved money give it away.
> 
> Here is where you can get Ubuntu for a pi 3: https://ubuntu.com/download/raspberry-pi
> 
> Old
> 
> 
> 
> On Saturday, September 13th, 2025 at 12:29 AM, Alex Carver via Ale <ale at ale.org> wrote:
> 
>>
>>
>> I've got one Windows 10 box left that I have to use for some
>> Windows-only software. It's not upgradable to 11 and at this point I
>> don't want Win 11 because of the extra tracking it now does (more than
>> 10 ever did). I'm going to get the one-year extension to give myself
>> some time but I need a few recommendations for building up a new machine
>> to be a daily driver. It's been a while since I built up a full, modern
>> machine for running Linux. Most of my machines have been older barebones
>> hardware with minimal extras.
>>
>> 0. ATX Motherboard with lots of PCIe slots because I have a few extra
>> needs like an LSI 9300 SAS board and video card. Don't need RGB
>> fancyness, I just need something that can support several cards, holds
>> lots of RAM and isn't going to have an issue with a non-Windows OS.
>>
>> 0.1 A motherboard with plenty of slots so I can install several LSI
>> 9300's to build up a data server. So this one doesn't have to be high
>> end since it'll run headless with many spinning drives.
>>
>> 1. Best video card to support multiple Display Port monitors (at least
>> three) with Linux support. The current Windows machine has a GeForce GTX
>> 1660. I'm not playing games but I want good resolution support because I
>> do things like CAD.
>>
>> 2. Anyone know of software that would support a Canon LiDE 70 USB
>> scanner? I use the scanner a lot and having something like SANE be able
>> to support it would be helpful. I don't want to have to buy a new one if
>> I can avoid it.
>>
>> 3. Networked all-in-one printer/fax/scanner (Epson WorkForce WF-3620). I
>> don't use the printer portion, I mainly use it because the scanner has a
>> paper feed. Supporting the scanner portion is useful.
>>
>> 4. Networked HP laser printer (M554). This is a commercial printer not a
>> consumer printer so I'm assuming it should be fine with its PCL/PS support.
>>
>> 5. Webcam support. I have a Logitech MX Brio. It works very well and I'd
>> like to hang onto it so if it works with something in Linux that would
>> be great.
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> 
> Take care!
> Old Jimma