Let's think disaster *prevention* 2 servers 2 server rooms in 2 buildings some distance apart a very fast piece of string between the two multiple redundant routes to each server room synchronise data 'live' between the two sets of servers ideally, the servers form cluster pairs Then if someone nukes server room 1, drives a JCB though a cable, the servers in room 2 take the load automatically. hopefully. ideally. something to work towards... ... and I'd have tape backup just in case. tapes offsite. Backup servers are overkill if you can afford for the whole network to be down for a week without complaint. Quantify the cost. Even schools now rely 100% on computer availability, and at some point the worst will happen. Usually a week before the Bursar has to present accounts to his superior, or a week before the Easter coursework deadline. Naive question: can you 'cluster' Linux servers in this way, coz what I have been describing is feasible under Win 2000 server enterprise? Derek -- ******************************************************************************** All mail sent and received may be examined to prevent transmission of unacceptable material. Wellington College does not accept responsibility for email contents. Problems to postmaster@wellington-college.berks.sch.uk. Website: http://www.wellington-college.berks.sch.uk ********************************************************************************