What to use as a application "server"

[tech4rce]

Hello, I'm trying to set-up a RedHat9 box as a "application server" (having programs on the linux box but being able to run them from "MS Windows" machines on the LAN).

So the questions are
1) What do you use to set this up on Linux?
2) How do you set this up? I am a newbie.

I've done a search on google but it only comes up with using some other 3rd party applications. Which I don't want to use or buy.

The programs that I want to use on Linux box will be MS based (since I have these already, but don't want to install these on all the PCs here, data for each application will be saved to the user's home directory on the Linux box).

Have any ideas?

thanks for the help

 

[sleipnir214]

I think that the core of your troubl is that "application server" is an extraordinarily broad term, with as many definitions as there are people using the term.

Just off the top of my head, I can think of three possible backbones for making an application server work. And I would guess that there are at least tjree more, as I do not claim my knowledge is encyclopedic.

You might create an application server using RPC, XML-RPC/SOAP, or Corba. Each is a possibility for further research, each with its own strenghts and weaknesses.

What is it you are thinking about doing?




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[lgarner]

What programs? What are their operating requirements and dependencies? That'll determine what OS and other software is needed.

 

[tech4rce]

I was thinking of using MS Office (yes I know about OpenOffice but don't want to use it right now), Photoshop7, and some other small apps. These are made to run on Windows, so I thought it would save me some time (and hassles) if I could just install it on the server (once and update it there only).

 

[lgarner]

I had a feeling that's what you're looking for. There are options, like CrossOver Office and Wine, neither of which I've used. From what I've read, you'll save neither time nor hassles this way.

Personally, I'd work from the other direction: set up a Windows server and use Terminal Services from Linux (or Windows) clients.

 

[tech4rce]

lgarner, thanks for the info, maybe I'll look into Wine. I just think that there has to be a solution to this (that will fit my needs) maybe I'll get into more this way but at least I will find out about it.

Thanks