[plug] IT Overhaul

[Craig Foster]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: plug-bounces at plug.org.au
> [mailto:plug-bounces at plug.org.au] On Behalf Of Chris Watt
> Sent: Tuesday, 14 June 2005 9:22 PM
> To: plug at plug.org.au
> Subject: [plug] IT Overhaul
>
> Sorry to bug the list daily but we're in the process of an it
> overhaul here.  I had trouble explainging this so i've point
> formed it.  I need some help working this out so i can write
> up a schematyic and also so i know what software i need, how
> to configure the client pc's, etc.
>
> $B-t(J Linux Server.
> $B-t(J Client PC's (J-(J WinXP
> $B-t(J Each user will have a username and password.  Want them to
> be able to log into the computer, but instead of seeing their
> local C:/My Docs, We want them to see their My Docs on the
> server and wrok from and save to that file.
> $B-t(J Also have common docs folders that all users will be able
> to access with all the common things.
> $B-t(J We have a few FoxPro databases as well.  If I keep the
> files from those databases on the server and FoxPro on each
> computer, will they be able to run without any problems. 
> These folders would also be set so only certain people may
> access them.
> $B-t(J Want to share a Minolta Copier/Print/Fax as well on the
> server for each computer plus the one colour inkjet.
> $B-t(J This server will serve a wireless connection for the office pc's.
> $B-t(J The server needs to be locked from the outside world.  Can
> I simply do this with a firewall on the server and to set the
> wireless connection so it doesn't broadcast, only connectable
> by computers with the details?
> $B-t(J Any other ideas on how to streamline things a little?
>
> cheers
> Chris

For pretty much all of the above, you can try:-
SME Server (http://www.contribs.org or http://smserver.sourceforge.net)
Or
ClarkConnect (http://www.clarkconnect.org/index.php)

Both do Samba domains, VPN, modem/ADSL sharing, printer sharing, backup to file and/or tape, and with the free (mostly) contributions you can get virus checking, spam filtering and all the rest of the buzzwords managers like to see. 

Samba domains and roaming profiles mean their desktop/my docs/user settings backup to the server when they log off, and as a side effect, when you install an upgraded PC or move them to a different PC, a large amount of their settings will just copy across as well (as long as the program itself is installed on the new/other machine as well.

Personally, I like SME Server. Nothing like moving jobs and getting a phone call a year later requiring a reboot cos the old employees have moved on and no-one passed on the admin password :P The receptionists did all the user admin, and the box hadn't rebooted since well before I left (using a UPS)

That brought a tear to my eye, seeing the uptime go on that one :)

Just double check the linux compatability of the Minolta model you have. *Some* Minoltas have a funny quasi-GDI printing system which is most definately a headache for a linux server-based group.

Craig Foster
RedHat Certified Engineer
craig at fostware.net
(S/MIME Available)