If you are able to run a Windows operating system on a computer, you should be able to use Linux on it. And you may not tax the system as much, as you can install a Linux distro, and then re-compile the kernel to support only the feature you need.
Do you know of some free guide related to re-compile the kernel? I am not much familiar with that.
One suggestion, before I go any farther, is to have a look at DistroWatch.com
Will look at. Btw, I'd prefer Mdk 9.1 because I also use it at home.
My feeling is that you should not dedicate one machine to preforming a number of these functions. A firewall, with logging and tracking features, should be on a machine, by itself, without samba, LDAP, or anything else. If you are making a server available to the public, via the internet, then you will most likely want two DNSs - one for the public to see, and the second just for your private LAN (i.e., inTRAnet).
In fact, what I need at first is to have a 'server' box, a domain controller or like, that would contain my users' accounts, their downloads from the net, their W2k clients' Favorites etc. At the moment, they use a couple of 'cloned' W2k Prof. boxes, running in parallel - in order to access the Internet. I have cca 30 user's profiles on both boxes and whenever I am about to add another user, I have to do on both boxes.
In addition, it looks like I am going to install a couple of more boxes for the same job - so I'd like to make a domain controller and to store all users' stuff in there. The idea is to avoid NT or W2k DC's with Linux but to allow W2k clients to use such a controller.
Would be also fine to have an ability to download an AV update from that server and force the workstations to apply a patch or like.
For a firewall, I would suggest looking at CensorNet, or even IPCop and SmoothWall. I think CensorNet would better meet your needs, while IPCop can do the job, yet it would need modules/add-ons that the end users have developed.
At the moment, the client boxes run their own AV clients and software firewalls. Don't know what would be a solution for a Linux DC if implemented instead of NT/W2k DC.
I don't see why you can't replace the NT 4.0 operating system with Linux, save some licensing cost, and go with open standards.
Any idea of an on-line manual or guide, related to such a DC implementation for local networks?
Just my two cents, before taxes, inflation, and an empty pocket.
Mike (a.k.a AWEV)
Thanks for help!
Misko
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