I am considering the use of a Linux server for the first time and would welcome suggestions comments from those of you who have already made the leap. At present what I know about Linux could fit comfortably on the back of a postage stamp.
My client company has many users who work outside of the office either at client sites or from their homes (all have broadband access at home). They need to be able to access a file server for the purposes of storing their files and retrieving the files of others just as if this were a file server within a LAN.
For a variety of business reasons it is not feasible to have these users connect to the office LAN. Therefore, I am investigating the feasibility of a co-located server. Linux servers are less expensive on a monthly basis.
Now to my technical questions.
Is there a reliable software-based firewall solution for Linux server? (I'm more inclined to use a hardware-based firewall but thought I'd inquire)
Is there a reliable VPN package for Linux based servers?
Clients will be using XP Pro machines to access this Linux box. Any complications there?
How are permissions set to ensure users see only what they are supposed to see?
Finally a general question - how steep is the learning curve in learning Linux server admin for someone who's experience thus far is limited to NT and Netware? Are there tools to help mitigate that curve?
- Kevin -
My client company has many users who work outside of the office either at client sites or from their homes (all have broadband access at home). They need to be able to access a file server for the purposes of storing their files and retrieving the files of others just as if this were a file server within a LAN.
For a variety of business reasons it is not feasible to have these users connect to the office LAN. Therefore, I am investigating the feasibility of a co-located server. Linux servers are less expensive on a monthly basis.
Now to my technical questions.
Is there a reliable software-based firewall solution for Linux server? (I'm more inclined to use a hardware-based firewall but thought I'd inquire)
Is there a reliable VPN package for Linux based servers?
Clients will be using XP Pro machines to access this Linux box. Any complications there?
How are permissions set to ensure users see only what they are supposed to see?
Finally a general question - how steep is the learning curve in learning Linux server admin for someone who's experience thus far is limited to NT and Netware? Are there tools to help mitigate that curve?
- Kevin -
