help Needed
 

hi there!!! i am a newbie to linux.I am working as a IT
administrator on Windows based systems.I have decided to switch to linux based systems on which i would
want to configure my mail server as well as a internet
server.I have installed red hat 9 on one of my systems
how do I setup mail and a proxy server in a few easy
steps.I went through the man pages but found it too
much to read.how do i set up a local internet lets say
fkeith.com does not exist on the web but if any one
types that address on their machine in their local it will point to a compuer located in the network.Do i have to set up a dns server and how do i set it up.
Its all so confusing.Can some one help me please!!!!!!!!!

Man pages too much to read? you are in trouble then.

The domain part i think you can just edit /etc/hosts its a local DNS resolve, it'll redirect you to the specified IP when using a domain/host.

For setting up mail and proxy, someone else can advise alot better, but i would say to have a secure and functional setup it is going to take some reading and configuring.

I'll tell you right now if you aren't prepared to read then forget linux. However until you give up and go back to Windows, here is something to spend your time uhh...not reading :/

http://gentoo-wiki.com/HOWTO_setup_a_home-server

That's a nice guide to setting up a home server, it probably uses easier terms that you won't have to go Google which is why I selected that over something more "grown-up" oriented. Have fun :)

thank u
 

thank you for the quick response I guess you all are right i will have to get down to read the manuals.

also http://gentoo-wiki.com/HOWTO_setup_a_home-server
link is not working
can someone send me some links on how to get started
it will be highly appreciated

also do i have to edit hosts files on all the machines
thnks

keith

http://gentoo-wiki.com/HOWTO_setup_a_home-server is working. you should check howto's if your seriously want to go the linux way like sendmail howto or qmail howto. AFAIK there's a howto for mostly anything and everything under linux roof. goodluck!