I need to build a mini computer lab with 6 PCs

Question

This weekend I need to build a mini computer lab with 5-6 PCs. The purpose is for a small computer class that will be taking place. They're mostly going to be doing office and daily kind of stuff, so nothing high performance. However, I hope it will last at least for 2 more years.

I already have some parts for 2 PCs, one is a P4 3.0 and another is Celeron 2.4GHz, both socket 478.

For the other 4 PCs, I'm wondering if I should buy individual parts and put it all together or get workstations like those Dell Optiplex with P4s.

To put things into perspective, I am not currently in the US. I'm in South America and prices here are ridiculously.

Another really important thing is that I need to share an internet connection between a total of 8 PCs at this place. Right now I only have a crappy wireless router, should I get another one? Or go with a switch or hub? I'm not experienced in this matter.

Thanks guys!

Answer 1

You might want to consider a Mini-ITX board with an Atom processor. That is probably about the cheapest without going the refurb route. I would probably connect a switch to the router. About any computer you build will have ethernet but not wireless.

Answer 2

To answer the networking question - you can plug the switch into the wireless router; you might want to use the uplink port on the switch, it's usually the first or last port. (You do not need a crossover cable if your switch has an uplink port.)

If the wireless router isn't absolutely awful this should work.

Answer 3

I'd get a switch, and small router. Plug machines in switch, then switch into LAN port of router. Wireless isn't important here, and wired is faster, generally more secure, and easier to configure.