Version 04

Then as the old server was getting very long in the tooth, (and slowed down by microsoft updates). I decided to explore the posibility of a rebuild using a fully linux back end. some one gave me a second hand 48U rack cabnet (complete with working UPS) for free. So I found room in the basement, added a new circuit and breaker.

After playing with debian, slackware, gento, and others i settled on Fedora core 2 (the latest at the time), and started a long learning curve by building a Samba DC. 5 attempts later, and with everything documented, I started on a web and mail server, followed by a archive and database server, and finaly upgraded the firewall to IPCOP (using all 4 zones), All servers had no desktop and were admined via putty, and webmin.

I learnt alot in those few weeks and the have never looked back. Linux is good at getting more bang for your buck on old hardware, as each server was a 500Mhz Dell Dimension with 256Meg of ram.

The whole network lasted ages (right up to the release of Fedora Core 10), with only minor issues, like adding more ram, and one complete hardrive failure. but as every thing was documented on paper DR was relativley simple.

I also re-routed the structured cableing for the old serverr cupboard and added a MDF (Main Distrabution Frame) with tails to the main patch panel in the rack cabnet. We then with time added another switch and wireless.

Last Updated (Friday, 12 February 2010 00:42) Written by Calvin Streeting Friday, 12 February 2010 00:19