Server Software Options - Newbie needs help

[Resh]

Hi all,

I've searched and found much info on the matter of what OS to use for a server, but fitting the disjointed comments applying to varying demands, combined with licensing options has proven too much for my beleagured brain. As such, I'm calling to those in the know for help!

Situtation
Home LAN with 4 clients and 1 server

• clients running Windows 2K, 98SE, 95, and RedHat 7.1
  server currently running RedHat 7.1 with ipchains and Samba for file and print sharing - 64MB RAM; Celeron @ 550 (5.5x100)
  internet access via @home cable modem
  10/100 switch has 3 free ports

While RedHat 7.1 is working fine on the server, I'm finding that I don't have the time to do acquire the expertise (do research) to increase its functionality the way I would like.

Therefore, I'm considering an OS switch. The replacement would have to:
at a minimum...

• be secure - firewall available, but not necessarily built-in
  allow the clients to access internet via NAT
  permit file and printer sharing
  allow some remote admin from within LAN (telnet etc)

ideally add the following...[/b]
allow e-mail within the LAN
allow use of Office/Outlook 2000's scheduling/collaboration functions
be easier to administer than RedHat 7.1[/list]
Options
Obviously, the choices are:

1. Stick with Redhat
   Move to Win2K Pro
   Move to Win2K Server
   Move to MS Small Business Server 2000

From what I've been able to find on the net, Small Business server is most likely to be able to deliver, but doing all of these things may require add-on software and licenses for the clients. I don't know what Win2K Pro can do however. If anyone knows how these licenses work, please provide info.

Can anyone recommend an approach for me? I realize Windows-based options will require more RAM, but how much, I don't know for sure.

Pros and cons on your recommendation would be appreciated. I'm keen to learn and I'm very interested about networking. Also if sticking to Linux is best option, I'm certainly open to that.

Thanks everyone!

Addition: Load would vary from one system browsing the web to 4 systems accessing files, mail, and internet through the server, which could be running a game server, and offering printer access in addition to firewall duties.

 

[Techwhore]

Windows 2000 Professional can handle it. As far as the RAM goes, professional can run on 128 but is much better at 256. If i were building a server that used 2k I'd have at least that much. With RAM prices being so low, it's not that unaffordable to get 512. However, you're best bet would be to leave 256 (or whatever amount you currently have) and see it needs more. You haven't stated how heavy of a load the server takes on and with only 4 machines it's possible that 256, or even less, would be fine.

I don't know anything about the licensing arrangements though

Good luck

 

[Shadow07]

If you really wanted to learn a server OS, get your hands on a copy of Windows 2000 Server or Advanced Server. They have tone's of options to learn; Active Directory, Dynamic DNS, DHCP, QoS, RRAS (including VPN and RAS services), if you have the hardware you can get Network Load Balancing or Clustering, etc.

You can install up to 8GB or more of physical RAM. If you purchased (yeah, right) a server from Compaq or UniSys with Datacenter, you could have up to 64GB of RAM and 16 Processors. With Windows 2000, you have better reliability than that of Windows NT 4.

The hotest skillset right now is Windows 2000 and any distro of Linux. Since you already have Linux, I would continue with Window 2000.

Also, if you wanted to do this leagally, then you will not only have to have OS licenses, but also Client Access Lience's (CAL's) for every machine internally that will be accessing you Windows 2000 server (Server or Advanced Server versions, not Windows 2000 Pro). If you are planning on building a website and publishing that to the Internet, you will also have to get the Internet Connector Licenses. This allows an unlimited amount of ANONYMOUS users to access your server via HTTP or FTP.

Let me know if you have any specific questions regarding Windows 2000.

EDIT: Needed to add part about licensing.

 

[fivepesos]

resh, ive read from some of your other posts you want to enter IT carrer. honestly, if youre learning the best way in is a very specific skill set. it might be worth your time to keep learning linux. i know i got into my first IT job with linux.

the problem with going the microsoft route into IT is pretty easy to explain. there are loads of MCSEs and microsoft people. and most of them are highly skilled so youre likely to get stock at junior network level for a very long time. with linux experience you can get into a position which is a little more technically challenging. they wont stick u in desktop support or worse tech support (even if its internal corporate tech support). theres less linux talent and loads of demand.

for me, a very focused and select skill was helpful to get me in the door. i know friends of mine who make loads of money doing ONLY java to sql programming. that cant get any more specific. they start higher than they could if they just did java, theyd be tossed in as a junior programmer and stuck there for a while.

if you can tell, im advocating linux. the best way to learn it: linux documentation project. get one of their Systems Admin Guide and Network Admin Guide and read it carefully. with that knowledge linux will come so easy to u. from there u have some basic ideas and can start making your server even more advanced.

and as nice as redhat is, go with a linux distribution that makes you learn to do things. slackware or debian are great for this. just make sure you learn the man command (manual page) and how to find HOWTOs (linuxdoc again.

happy linux

 

[Resh]

Thanks you guys! Your advice and support is much appreciated. I'll still researching my immediate OS choice (keep that input coming) and will be sure to take advantage of that on-going offer of assistance.

As for the career change, I have a good paying job and a graduate degree in Economics so I've got a lot of "sunk costs" in my current career, if you know what I mean. However, it is still very much on my mind and the more I seem to learn, the more interested I become.

Thanks again everyone and to the rest of you... opinions! ;-)

 

[n0cmonkey]

<< Hi all,

I've searched and found much info on the matter of what OS to use for a server, but fitting the disjointed comments applying to varying demands, combined with licensing options has proven too much for my beleagured brain. As such, I'm calling to those in the know for help!

Situtation
Home LAN with 4 clients and 1 server

• clients running Windows 2K, 98SE, 95, and RedHat 7.1
  server currently running RedHat 7.1 with ipchains and Samba for file and print sharing - 64MB RAM; Celeron @ 550 (5.5x100)
  internet access via @home cable modem
  10/100 switch has 3 free ports

While RedHat 7.1 is working fine on the server, I'm finding that I don't have the time to do acquire the expertise (do research) to increase its functionality the way I would like.

Therefore, I'm considering an OS switch. The replacement would have to:
at a minimum...

• be secure - firewall available, but not necessarily built-in
  allow the clients to access internet via NAT
  permit file and printer sharing
  allow some remote admin from within LAN (telnet etc)

ideally add the following...[/b]
allow e-mail within the LAN
allow use of Office/Outlook 2000's scheduling/collaboration functions
be easier to administer than RedHat 7.1[/list] >>



Ok a server and a firewall are and should be two totally different machines. A fire wall should be running a minimum of software and services. File sharing is not acceptable on a firewall. Period.



<< Options
Obviously, the choices are:

1. Stick with Redhat
   Move to Win2K Pro
   Move to Win2K Server
   Move to MS Small Business Server 2000

From what I've been able to find on the net, Small Business server is most likely to be able to deliver, but doing all of these things may require add-on software and licenses for the clients. I don't know what Win2K Pro can do however. If anyone knows how these licenses work, please provide info.

Can anyone recommend an approach for me? I realize Windows-based options will require more RAM, but how much, I don't know for sure.

Pros and cons on your recommendation would be appreciated. I'm keen to learn and I'm very interested about networking. Also if sticking to Linux is best option, I'm certainly open to that.

Thanks everyone!

Addition: Load would vary from one system browsing the web to 4 systems accessing files, mail, and internet through the server, which could be running a game server, and offering printer access in addition to firewall duties. >>



Win2k Server should be fine. You can load exchange and use Window's SMB file sharing capabilities just fine. I do not know how much you use SMB and whatnot, but a simple win2k setup should run fine. Just make sure you secure it (and yes this means spending hours patching, hotfixing, service packing, and registry hacking).