[Soekris] arguments for ADDing flash to an hdd-based system?

[Igor Sobrado]

In message <f3ab1d300704141000y72103e2aj5386c76593adce37 at mail.gmail.com>, Tenzen writes:
> Hi,
> 
> I've a net4801 + freebsd-on-hdd setup running comfortably.
> 
> I'm interested in lists members' opinions on whether there's any
> particular reasons/advantages to ADDing flash-mem.
> 
> That's ADDing to, NOT replacing the hdd.
> 
> 3 arg types come to mind --
> 
>   (1) philosophy

I use the internal CF card as installation media.  Just make it
bootable and copy the installation kernel, tools and sets to it.
At least with OpenBSD it is very easy, don't think it will be
more difficult with FreeBSD or NetBSD.  When reinstalling the
operating system, just type "boot 81" in comBIOS (iff the HDD is
set as primary).  Before an upgrade, you can mount it on /mnt
and copy the new sets to it.  No need for a tftp server or network
connection when upgrading/reinstalling the operating system.

I have all the firmware upgrades and documentation available for
my net4801 on it too.  Just in case I will need it.

Of course, you can use it as backup media too.  For this goal
I prefer copying the data to another server and dump it to tape,
but it can be used for backing up data and configuration files.

For its price, I see the CF as a nice buy for a soekris even if
you are using a HDD.

>   (2) performance

Obviously slow when compared to a HDD.  Reading is fast, writting not.
High-end CF cards are faster and more reliable, but more expensive too.
I do not see the advantage of a high-end CF when not used as the primary
bootable media.

>   (3) power utilization

Not too high, the net4801 will support the HDD, NIC and CF.

Cheers,
Igor.