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Thread ID: 13854	2001-12-19 10:01:00	Linux, network/internet server, and me.	Guest (0)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
28047	2001-12-19 10:01:00	hey there everyone. I'm wanting to change my current network, which has my computer serving two other computers, plus my own, the internet on a peer to peer network, the os's are win XP pro on my puter, Win ME/98 on the other two. What I want is to get a cheapish computer (once I upgrade my puter, I'll have a fair few parts laying around), which will serve our internet connection (it'll be Jetstart by then). What I need to know is: 1) Mandrake 8.1 - ok for this purpose? 2) Will this setup allow applications like ICQ and MSN to work on the client PC's? 3) Would this computer allow the three current computers to talk as they have been, sharing files and playing multiplayer games (using TCP/IP and IPX)? 4) What HOW-TO's should I check out? 5) How Hands-free would the Linux server be once it's setup to serve the network? Would I need to use it often, for example would I needa go to it to set up a multiplayer game or, or is it still esentially the same as our current setup? 6) Would it be accessible via my computer, thus reducing any need to physically go to it? (eg, can I see the desktop and file system as it appears there, kinda PC-anywhere-ish) Thanks alot, and thanks in advance, Jonathan Giles	Guest (0)
28048	2001-12-19 22:25:00	hi Jonathan you have lots of options available depending on the type of ADSL modem you purchase. If you are getting an internal modem to go in the Linux box, check for driver compatibility first. The NZ ADSL list at www.unixathome.org should be a good place to find out. I really think it's worth getting an external one that performs NAT, that way you only need to plug it into the hub and you're away. MSN messenger will work but won't allow the direct file transfers unless the NAT implimentation is Microsoft eg via ISA server or ICS. Linux might be able to do it now, but can't say I've heard about it yet. A linux machine would be good if you wish to host a web page or other service. I would suggest using BSD if you want a firewall. With most NAT solutions all outbound traffic is allowed out, a good firewall can block outbound connections making it more difficult for a trojan to phone home. Your gaming shouldn't be affected if your IP addressing stays the same on your internal network. As for connecting to Internet games, that will be dictated by your firewalling configuration. The IPX/SPX will also be unaffected. You can have wildly varying configs on the Linux box so it can be anything from hands-free to hands-on. eg the Mandrake personal firewall product has a snazzy web interface so you can admin it from your desktop web browser. There are plenty of remote admin techniques available. Good luck and happy shopping.	Guest (0)
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