Need a good suggestion for a Linux Server book

[alocurto]

I am looking to setup a Linux web server that has Apache (Web & FTP), Mail Server, MySQL, PHP and the ability to do DNS. This is going to sit directly on the internet with no hardware firewall. I am looking for a book that can guide me through the setup process. Do you think I am better off investing in a firewall? How much would a decent one cost? Can't I just use the software firewall in Linux? Please post some comments and if you have done this before please send me a PM and give me your thoughts. Thanks.

 

[alocurto]

Anyone?

 

[Soybomb]

I don't see why not to use a firewall. Software based vs. hardware (and cost) all depend on what you want it to do. I use IPF with freebsd where I work and it acts as a very functional firewall and does anything I want it to at the moment. Read through some iptables docs and see if it will do what you want.

As for the rest just take it one step at a time. I like postfix for my mailserver, phpmyadmin will probably be helpful to use with your mysql server. I like bind 9 for dns but keep up to date on the patches (this applies to everything though of course). Start installing and see where you wind up!

edit: Ohhh books........look at o'reilly, running linux, linux in a nutshell, and some other titles like that are quite good.

 

[alocurto]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

[Nothinman]

Running Linux is probably the most recommended general starting book, after that look at books on specific subjects (like apache, sendmail, etc) or just use google.

 

[Need4Speed]

1. linuxdocs.org
2. man pages

 

[Nothinman]

Normally I prefer online docs too, but it's difficult to take man pages and linuxdocs.org into the bathroom =)

 

[Need4Speed]

what makes you think i dont drag my wife's laptop into the bathroom? 🙂

 

[Nothinman]

I've done that, but it's a little cumbersome =)