Hi everybody... I'm a Windows-only user and am looking to switch.

I have copies of RedHat downloaded (version 9) and would like some help with the options and such while INSTALLING it (incase I screw that up too lol) and help to get Linux for use as a fileserver and print server that I can log into.

Ideally, I just want to be able to log in thru windows, have a few drives mapped to my PC based on my login name, and have a printer attached as well.

I have had a Windows box doing this for some time but it's become unbearably slow and I have to continually reboot to get it running with some amount of speed. I'm tired of this and I know Linux is the answer.. Mandrake won't work for me since my PC has some weird hardware (i did an install and my mouse, keyboard, etc didn't work) but RedHat I installed without a problem. However I think I've messed up more than I should have and as such, will be re-installing RedHat shortly (not today but soon).

I am just looking for help in this area... just keep in mind I don't know Linux *at all* so to keep this to the graphical interface instead of jumping into terminal for me is so much better. If there are links you can provide me I'd appreciate that as well.

Thanks a lot!

The best thing, select 'Install Everything'. It is better to have 2 gig too much than 1 mbyte too little and try to sort it out. After that, visit the Redhat doc site on configuring the services you want. The server config docs are a pretty good.

System Settings-->NFS Server
Extra's-->System Settings-->Cups Printer Configuration
Then simply add the printer remotely as a networked printer using the Windows GUI. (of course, make sure your firewall allows remote cups connections. )

RO

Before starting a install, make a list of your hardware when you are logged into winduhs. Check this list with the hardware compatibility list available at your distribution's website. For example to find the hardware compatibility list for Red Hat 9, go to google and use the search string "Red hat 9 hardware compatibilty list". Most of the hardware should work right away, however sound may be a problem.

After installing, get a good book on running Red Hat . i recommend seeing http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/linux/RHL-9-Manual/ for some really good manuals.

What you are looking for is Samba. You have a managment tool for it known as samba-swat (available in Red hat 9). However, to use it, you have to be proficient in using Linux. So I suggest, get the Red hat manuals, do some "self help" and try configuring Samba on your own. When you are stuck, post a question here and somebody is sure to answer.