Want some ''Linux as a broadband router/fileserver'' opinions

[DomZ]

Sup,
I want some opinions on people who use(d) an old computer, with linux on it, for a router/fileserver/firewall/print server.

1 - Is it good? (reliable, etc)
2 - What would you recommand: A router/switch or the computer running linux as a router?
3 - How many Gigs you have on it?
4 - What OS do you use: Redhat, Debian, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Mandrake?

Thanks
BTW just wondering, If I use that, I wont have any prob with Xp pro?

 

[n0cmonkey]

<< Sup,
I want some opinions on people who use(d) an old computer, with linux on it, for a router/fileserver/firewall/print server.

1 - Is it good? (reliable, etc) >>



I dont use Linux, but I do use a UNIX-like OS and its never let me down.



<< 2 - What would you recommand: A router/switch or the computer running linux as a router? >>



A router would be simpler and easier, but the Linux/BSD solution would give you more configuration options.



<< 3 - How many Gigs you have on it? >>



237MB until I upgraded to a 2GB drive.



<< 4 - What OS do you use: Redhat, Debian, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Mandrake? >>



RedHat, Debian, and Mandrake are the same OS, different distributions or flavors. If I had to use Linux I would go with Debian or Slackware. I personally use OpenBSD. I know it better than I do linux. I also like the OpenBSD development thoughts. FreeBSD would be pretty good, but again, I would stick with OpenBSD personally. Again, the development theories and the cleaness of the OS make more sense to me.



<< Thanks
BTW just wondering, If I use that, I wont have any prob with Xp pro? >>



With SAMBA supported UNIX-like OSes will work just fine with Windows. I havent tried XP specifically, but Im sure others have. SAMBA works great on my iBook running Mac OS X with WinNt/2k and DOS.