> Probably Lindows. Not bad, but Xandros would be a better choice. See why below.
> I have a dedicated Lindows computer -- now with a modem (if I can get it > to work). Lindows uses a Debian distribution of Linux. > Can I set up a Local Area Network within that version of Linux? (or > another version, if no one can get Lindows to do it.) > Requirements: > a) It must allow Windows XP computers to connect with this LAN, Meaning what? That they can see each other's disk drives? See description below of the difference between the Samba server and client. > b) it must enable my wife's XP computer to reach the printer. In Xandros, this is a couple of clicks of the mouse. Again, this would be your Samba server offering up your printer to the XP machines. > c) It must receive, and (if possible) send, faxes via our dedicated fax > line. (I can get appropriate software from Lindows -- but would gratefully > accept any comments concerning WHICH fax programs work better -- more > reliably, or more easily -- than their rivals.) I've heard of Hylafax. Other than that, don't know. And I don't know if they will work with a WinModem. Make sure you have a "real" modem. Check the modem chipset for Linux support in the Hardware How-To. If it's an external modem, it's definately NOT a winmodem. Winmodems tend to be identified as a "Lucent" chipset, since that's who made them originally. In any case, they're a cheap A/D converter chip, and all the real work is being done in the CPU - you guessed it - the driver. And Lucent only licensed how the chips work to - you guessed it - Microsoft. Hence "WinModem". > HOW? do I set up a LAN? The first part is IP addresses. You will need to either assign addresses to the machines (say, 192.168.0.1, 192.168.0.2, 192.168.0.3, etc.). You will need to learn about subnets (aka the "netmask"). (255.255.255.0 for the above). You will need to know if this network connects to the internet and how. If your ISP only gives you one IP, you will need to setup a NAT gateway (either a Linux machine or a SOHO Nat/router/switch/hub from Dlink, Linksys, etc.). You may want to check for a HOW-TO at http://www.tldp.org/ Starting out, you may want to just assign the IPs. Or setup a DHCP server to hand them out. But that's more advanced. As for the Windows computers, they only talk Windows networking. But Linux computers can also be made to talk Windows networking. This program is called "SAMBA". A Samba *server* is what lets you share your Linux disk to the Windows computer. A Samba *client* is what lets you use their shared Windows disk on your Linux computer. That said, if you're going to spend the money for Lindows, I *highly* recommend you take a look at Xandros. Same money, but comes with Codeweavers Crossover (much better packaging and setup than straight WINE). But the big kicker is that with Xandros, you get Windows disk sharing and printer sharing *OUT OF THE BOX*. No extra stuff to install or setup. It just works. P.S. There's a LUG discount code on the internet, and you can get the price down to about $65 or so. For the deluxe version (w/ Codeweavers XO). I can send it to you if you'd like. Mike/ --------------------------------------------- http://www.valuenet.net ----------------------------------------------------------------- To get off this list, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with Subject: unsubscribe -----------------------------------------------------------------
