[clue] Linux / Windows Server or NAS and Smoothwall firewall Input needed...

[Rodney Cross]

We don't have a clear need for a server, it is just an option; if the expense were minimal and it presented an opportunity to learn new skills then that has a definite value.
 
Although there may be some particular hardware items that need to be addressed for either of these items, building a box shouldn't be an issue.
 
I would need to better understand both file servers, firewalls, and also how VPNs work, would you have any suggestions for reading material?
 
 
Thanks again ! ! ! 
 
Rodney
  


________________________________
From: David L. Anselmi <anselmi at anselmi.us>
To: Rodney Cross <mr_rodney_cross at yahoo.com>; CLUE's mailing list <clue at cluedenver.org> 
Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2012 10:00 PM
Subject: Re: [clue] Linux / Windows Server or NAS and Smoothwall firewall Input needed...

Rodney Cross wrote:
> 
> I would am thinking about using / building a Linux or Windows Server (2000 or 2003) or NAS,
> (both RAID 1+)

Russ Coker has some interesting thoughts (and related links):

http://etbe.coker.com.au/2012/03/23/cheap-nas-devices-suck/

> and a Linux / Smoothwall firewall for our home network; would anyone have any input for
> me re: these two items?

I've never imagined a need for a Windows server at home (you might have all sorts of wacky reasons but I don't).  For any server, you'd want to be clear about what you need done rather than just "I need a server now".

Building a file server is easy (Linux or Win).  You'll want to understand how file serving works and that is easier on Linux in my experience.  If you understand how a firewall works you shouldn't have any trouble following the directions available for a file server.

Smoothwall is also easy but if you don't understand what it can do and what you need done just running it is of marginal value.

> Is this something that someone might be able to help me with during an Install Fest?  BTW, these
> two items will be my first outside of building / using Windows PCs, (DOS thru XP).

If you are clear about what you want a box to do it can certainly be done at installfest.  If you want to know how the box does that I'd suggest building it yourself and asking for help here.

Is your goal to understand or to have?

Dave
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