Linux question
EDTECH Editor-Eiffert
> I plan to use an older pc as the server and am willing to use Linux, but
> the Corel version is huge and asks for a pentium. I have never used
> Linux. What version do ya'll suggest that I try to use on a 486 box?
You're really going to struggle running any modern operating system on
a 486.
GNU/Linux will run on a 486 just fine. When set up as a web server,
GNU/Linux will "flood" a T1 line using a 486; in other words, it'll pump
out enough web pages so that the T1 line is the bottleneck, not the 486
CPU. I know of no other OS that can accomplish such a feat.
However, modern OSs like RAM. I'd recommend running that 486 *without*
a graphical environment (read: GNU/Linux's X windowing system). Putting a
GUI on that 486 will bring it to its knees.
That's the bad news. The good news it that you can use the GUI to
install and configure GNU/Linux, and then do not bother to run the GUI in
normal operation. Just set up X to not automatically start and then you
can log in and just run "startx" when you need the GUI.
> I will be connecting to Win 95/98/Me machines.
That's no problem. All GNU/Linux distributions contain a package
called "Samba" which provide NetBIOS/SMB file and print sharing for
Windows computers. Samba is a powerful tool and can do anything a Windows
NT server can do -- only more efficiently, with no licensing headaches,
with no built-in backdoors, and which doesn't cost anything.
> I am looking for simplicity and reliability.
Reliability is inherent to GNU/Linux operating systems. While
Microsoft brags about its 5-9s (99.999%) reliability with W2K, GNU/Linux
systems are far more robust and reliable. For example, there is a
continual measurement of web servers at
<http://uptime.netcraft.com/up/graph/> which shows this.
Simplicity is another issue. Believe it or not, GNU/Linux systems
typically take a more simple approach to tasks than do Windows systems.
In Microsoft's famous "Halloween Document", Microsoft admitted that one
way they plan to convert the Internet into a Microsoft-owned network was
by "obfuscating" and developing complex Microsoft-owned proprietary
protocols to replace the now-existing, simple, publicly-owned open
standard protocols. But I'm starting to wander here...
From your perspective, GNU/Linux will be complex because it is not
Windows. I'd recommend making this a project and spending some time
learning Linux. There will be a learning curve. Seek out any students,
parents, or local Linux user's groups
<http://www.linux.org/users/index.html> who are using with GNU/Linux, and
take advantage of their knowledge.
> Any suggestions would be appreciated.
The first thing to consider is what GNU/Linux distribution you're going
to use. Unlike the Windows monopoly, GNU/Linux is produced by many
different companies, each with their advantages/disadvantages and
features. This results in more choice for you. Choice can be a powerful
tool, but it often requires some thought to make an educated choice.
I'd recommend two GNU/Linux distributions: Mandrake
<http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/> and Red Hat <http://www.redhat.com>.
Mandrake is very slick and pretty polished. It's aimed at the desktop
user but it'll do all of the server tasks you need.
Red Hat is the leading GNU/Linux distribution, it's quite good and is
oriented more towards the server than the end user's desktop. By being
the leader, Red Hat support is more or less the defacto "standard" for
GNU/Linux.
Whatever you do, make sure you get the latest version of your GNU/Linux
distribution -- don't try to save a few bucks and to use a friend's CD
which is one or two versions old. GNU/Linux evolves so quickly that you
will want the latest and greatest CD, even if you have to download a copy
and burn it to CD or to go out and buy it.
And by all means, buy a book or two on whatever distribution you decide
to get. Don't forget to take advantage of free support! For whatever
distribution you choose there will be web sites and mailing lists for
support -- take advantage of these resources.
--
Regards, | Need some help with Debian GNU/Linux?
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Randy | Look no further than <http://debianhelp.org>
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