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'the big R.D.' |
inux Power
I needed a fileserver for file and print sharing on my small
office network. A webserver and gateway to the internet would also be nice. I
happened to have an extra little-used computer (an old Pentium 133 with a 20G
hard drive) that would be serviceable in this function. My linux source
suggested looking at the free (although you can by support if desired) Mitel SME
Server software to install on it. A copy of the source on CD cost me $5,
although you can download the 500M ISO image off the internet 'for free' if you
rather. So, what is SME?
From their website: "SME Server with ServiceLink
- Mitel Networks SME Server with ServiceLink
is a managed Internet security and productivity solution that is simple to
deploy, easy to administer and extremely reliable. Designed to run on any
Intel-compatible computer, SME Server with ServiceLink is based on the same
award-winning technology that powers Mitel Networks 6000 Managed Application
Server. In less than 10 minutes, it turns an Intel-compatible PC into a powerful
and robust network server that is perfect for small/medium enterprises and
remote/branch offices. Features include a secure firewall, file and print
sharing, secure e-mail and web services, remote access and much more."
In English: SME is a customized RedHat Linux distribution that runs on a
computer connected to your network. SME turns that computer into a
file/web/print server by providing built-in network and internet managed
services. Once installed, SME can be configured,
monitored and managed remotely via a simple web interface .. you don't even
really need a monitor, keyboard, or mouse on the box once it is up and running.
With the proper permissions, other computers Linux or Windows or even Macs (via
appletalk) on the network can view/update information on the SME Server via any
web browser, ftp program, or even via the Windows Network Neighborhood.
Installation Notes:
- A working network connection is required to start
with. I use the Startech ST105S NIC cards and a DS5105 5-port 10/100 Ethernet
Switch as the hub of my local network. Each computer on the network are
connected via the switch by standard 'straight-through' Cat5 Network Cables.
- The installation CD is designed to automatically
format the new server hard drive in Linux format and install the custom RedHat
operating system. You will need to provide a few items of information - like
passwords, server name, and usernames. Nothing really complicated.
- We don't have high-speed internet available in
Magrath yet. For dial up access, a linux- compatible modem (most any internal ISA or
external model) is required. I use the .log file in windows to get the
proper AT commands for the modem. You then enter your ISP username and
password. Then, when any computer on the network needs to access an internet
connection, the SME server dials out and serves up the internet connection to
all users.
- A local copy of my website is available to all
locally connected workstations - or even to external connections while the SME
server is connected to the internet. Note: With most dial-up ISPs, you get a
different IP address every time you connect to the internet. However, with a
free service like www.dyndns.org that maps
dynamic IP address to a custom URL e.g. http://ssdirect.homelinux.com
The end result. Cool. My co-workers can check email on
one workstation while I work on the internet on another station. With the
correct username and password the new SME
server hard drive is served up to my Windows PCs as a regular network drive and
all server settings are available via any connected web browser. Very cool. That is Linux Power.
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