Want to share files between 2 PCs? You need a file server.

[Stuart]

Well, according to Dell you do.

The friend of a poster on Digital Spy phoned up Dell, and asked for the advice on sharing files. They told him he needed a file server, and promptly sold him a poweredge..

http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/...d.php?t=353477

[MovedGoalPosts]

Good sales policy!

[punky]

F**king appalling from Dell...

Regardless of their returns policy surely they are still bound under the usual distance selling regulartions, statutory rights, etc...?

He probably paid on credit card, so he can do a call back. Credit card companies, loathed by all, do love siding with people when it comes customer rights.

Originally Posted by Stuart C

The friend of a poster on Digital Spy phoned up Dell, and asked for the advice on sharing files. They told him he needed a file server, and promptly sold him a poweredge..

Reading the article on DS, it would seem to have been a business purchase.

In a business environment, it makes a certain amount of sense to centralise your data - it also allows you to set up a backup strategy that covers all of the data, rather than having to separately backup 2 PCs. Furthermore you can then provide central internet/email that isn't dependant on someone's PC being switched on.

Yes, it is overkill, but if we're talking a low-end (as per the article £200?) server it kinda makes sense - for a business. After all, as soon as you want to grow it's much easier.

[Gareth]

caveat emptor

It does what it says on the tin. Might be considered overkill, but it will allow them to share files between 2 PCs.

[Derek]

Its just like any sales person. The minute they smell blood in the water they'll sell you anything. Common sense and morals are optional when it comes to some salespeople.

There were times when sales in Ntl would set up pensioners with 1Meg broadband (at the time top of the range) if the mentioned they had a computer which they used every few days to send e-mails to family. No mention was ever made of the dialup or 150k service to them.

If you want to look at really ridiculous IT purchasing decisions have a look at any government IT project in the last 10-15 years!

[punky]

Originally Posted by Gareth

caveat emptor

It does what it says on the tin. Might be considered overkill, but it will allow them to share files between 2 PCs.

True... But in my mind, he didn't phone up to buy it, he phoned up for expert advice... Dell didn't give it.... Also he said what did he need... He didn't need that...

The sales guy ought to be fired immediately.

Still, its not all bad news. El Reg came up with this beauty of a quote...

We phoned Dell to ask them for comment and they very nearly sold us a $6,000 storage array. ®