Server choices...

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mrudling

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Hi there.

Looking out for some advice regarding servers. We currently running a linux based server, but my limited linux skills are making a small task into an all weekend event.

We will also be upgrading to a new entry level pc shortly so will be reinstalling server software.

Could anyone advise on any free linux distros that are easy to setup, preff with strong GUI interface, or should i give ms server 2003 a shot.

Our server needs are as follows. Transparent proxy, Email server, web server. Also need to setup a few 1to1 nat rules. Very simple low usage stuff... but the linux is very daunting. Will ms server 2003 be able to do this without having to get licencing for each mailbox?

Thanks...
 
Look into this too:
http://www.smeserver.org/

The stuff you want to set up is easy enough. If you use Debian most of it works almost straight away after installing - I'm happy to help you with that. With debian you can download the net-install ISO and just installed the packages you need on top of that.
 
Gr8, thanks guys.

I will download Debian and have a look. i saw an app webmin or webadmin? its 3am... that should help me a lot.

o and we are currently running clarkconnect, it is easy to run and configure, but there are limited options with some others. Like squid logs keep hanging the server as they are to big, i assume.

Thanks for the advice and you will be sure to hear from me when the new hardware arives.

TX
 
I use Clarkconnect in about 15 production sites. Development on it is far more active that SMEserver.

Also with Clarkconnect you have got the option of buying the commercial version and getting stuff like a exchange replacement with outlook connectors and the all important support.

Hardware compatablility is also better since it includes the commercial drivers included in CentOS (red hat enterprise derivative).

I administrate the server via it's interface, but I also make some tweaks using webmin.

I found that MS small business with exchange is more admin work to keep running and far more complicated to setup properly.

Clarkconnect just works!
 
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I'd give CentOS a go before trying Debian. Debian might be a bit scary for someone new'ish to linux. Besides, CentOS (last time I checked) will install and partially configure the majority of the services for you. Although ClarkConnect and SMEserver, euronode, etc would be the faster easier option if all you want to do is get the job done and out of the way.
 
Hmmm... It's a pitty you not good with linux, coz then i would simply tell you to get a ps3 and use a modified linux to make the ps3 into a server.

But i think windows server 2003 would be find.
 
mrudling, webmin is a useful tool, but it's not to the same as the web interfaces that come with distros like Clark Connect and SME Server. It's not designed for a different purpose. Webmin is a web frontend for system administration - it requires some knowledge of what goes on in the back-end. You can download it at http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/webadmin/webmin_1.360_all.deb - install it by doing:

dpkg -i webmin_1.360_all.deb

Cadavre777, I don't see how Debian can be 'scary' compared to CentOS. Aside from the package managers, and some lay-out difference, they're similar enough. As far as package configuration goes, there's little to choose.

The advantage of Debian is the enormous package repositry - way bigger than all the RH/CentOS official repositires and third party repositries (like Dag, etc.) combined. This makes life real easy for someone not familiar with Linux.
 
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