Jason Louie wrote:
>2. I would like all computers to have internet access and have the whole
>system more secure than just having my Win2k machine sitting on Shaw all the
>time turned on. I am willing to buy a router but what type should I get? I
>know a linux router box can be set up but with these old machines I think it
>would consume more power.
>
Buying a router will be easier, but I've had great success with
several Linux-based router-on-a-floppy distros. You can remove the hard
drive and CDROM from the computer too, which saves a lot of power. A
video card is optional too, but handy for emergencies.
Coyote Linux ( http://coyotelinux.com ) is a good beginner's choice.
It has a nice installers for Windows and Linux. From experience, your
biggest problem will be sorting out network card issues, eg. what
drivers to use and which card is the local one.
>4. I would like a FTP-site and a web-site on the system that can be accessed
>from outside, also, all machines must be able to share files, (so Samba
>would be installed.)
>
That's easy with port forwarding, something hardware and software
routers can do. I think Shaw blocks access to the standard www/ftp
ports, so you may run into some difficulty accessing it from the outside.
HJ Hornbeck
