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

[David L. Anselmi]

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