I want to know if I can use my PC for a server in a internet cafe. I have 5 pc's for workstations. 1 x 3COM Office Connect dual sped 8 plus HUB, 384mbs DSL Line with Wi-Fi modem. So I want to use my PC as a server, is this possible? What will I need and what software will be the best. I was thinking of loading Linux for the work stations and for the server. Please I need to know how to set all this up. Must I rather use Windows software and what hardware do I still need to complete the setup.
2007-10-23 20:33:57 · 3 answers · asked by John G 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
Linux is a good choice, you may need to search a bit for monitoring information when it comes to charging for time, although you could use it's inbuilt logging and create scripts for this. Your best bet would be to use it in router/firewall mode, one card to the hub, the other to the dsl. In this case you should use an access point for the wireless on the LAN side, and disallow user access to the modem wi-fi. Suse will be the easiest to set up from scratch. This will be far more secure than a Windows network.
2007-10-23 21:05:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Windows, youngsters are there for gaming reasons and how would they play in a Linux workstation? Use Linux for server, Windows for stations, Wi-Fi should be avoided if you can and under no circumstances you should set WEP/WPA, disclaim yourself with unsecured airwave, of course obviously if you intend for your establishment to be open to laptops but for proper security for either Ethernet or wireless a RADIUS will have to be set, (that is login-based inverted firewall security).
2007-10-24 04:48:52 · answer #2 · answered by Andy T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the role of the server. If it acts as a file or print server, Windows is alright. Follow the instructions in the Help and Support Center. If its role is a web server, you should install Apache, a free web-server software for Windows and Linux.
2007-10-24 03:38:59 · answer #3 · answered by chenzw 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋