First off I'm hoping this is int he right forum. It's based somewhat on hardware questions and some software questions but not directly related to each. First off some background information. I am currently deployed in Iraq doing whatever it is I do everyday. I have a lot of free time. I've been looking around for a good project and I think I've gotten something that will work out well for me. What I am thinking is that this is totally feasible on the the budget that I have. I'm going home for 2 weeks in a couple weeks and I plan on getting the software I need from my net connection when I'm back home. I plan on spending the rest of the time here doing configuration and such. As my net connection is a shared satellite connection between about 120 computers I really can't d/l too much here so I'm in the process of trying to get a list together of everything I need beforehand.

I started using slackware I want to say maybe about 10 years ago around 93 or so. I used it almost exclusively for 2 years or so and got quite proficient with it. Then high school started up and I went back to windows for whatever reason. Fast forward 10 years and I've tried again. I'm currently running Redhat 9.1 since it installed everything and detected everything and was the easiest for my wife to d/l, burn to iso, and ship me the disks. I'm planning on switching to Gentoo when I go back on both my main laptop I use and on the box I want to build. I have no problems with spending large amounts of time configuring, compiling and doing otherwise what is necessary.

Ok enough chatter, here is my idea. I want to build a small box that fulfills the following requirments:

1) Firewall to secure my home network
2) MP3 Server to stream files to up to 5 computers. Not sure what software to use to do this yet.
3) Serve as a consolidated file server for some small files for both Linux and windows computers. Possibly act as a central backup point to pull files off networked computers and automatically burn to DVD backup.
4) Picture Server / Webcam server to put out on a website so I can see my son grow up while I am in Iraq. Will use DynDNS for webhosting. Must be able to configure remotely over the net and use https for access.
5) Possible PVR for television. Would use VDR program.
6) IR Control if used for VDR. Compatible hardware and use software from LIRC.org
7) Wireless access. Either act as a host AP if possible or if not possible then sit the server in between WAN connection and a wireless router to interface to rest of the network.

As for hardware:

1) Small form factor, fanless configuration. Almost zero noise. Thinking of using a VIA EPIA motherboard. Looking at either the M6000 or 10000 running either the Nehemiah core or the C3 800mhz processor. Open to other hardware suggestions but VIA seems like they are being supportive of hardware.
2) Able to run on either 12V DV or 120AC for future placement options.
3) For wireless access looking at either an integrated PCI card or a PCIMIA adapter. Hardware obviously must be compatible natively with the linux kernel. So I'm looking for something I'm guessing of preferably a PRISM chipset.
4) 2.5" notebook HD hooked into motherboard for size and noise reasons. Foam mounting for sound and vibration dampening.

I would originally configure this computer hooked up to a monitor and keyboard but would like afterwards for it to just be able to be plugged into the wall and access it possibly over SSH or telnet. I've never really looked into or used remote access so I really want to learn about this stuff.

Oh and I'm also looking at spending under 400$ since that is what my wife cut me off at it. I know its feasible since I can get the MB and processor for under 150$. The rest shouldn't be too much.

Any help or suggestions / ideas / software / hardware suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Eric

wow, thats a pretty tall order for one box. I am not entirely sure the $400 will make the cut, as wireless is going to cost you about 125-150 of that, leaving you with 100 for ram, box, HD, optical drives, etc.

If you go with the wireless option, then you shouldnt need the box to act as a firewall, as the Access Point should have that built in. If you dont do wireless, then I would reconsider using this box as a backup server, being that it is very exposed as the firewall and you backup data that is important to you, right?. Just a thought.

For Streaming, you could look at Shoutcast or Icecast. Both are very good. I use Shoutcast for three seperate streams and I have seen no performance degradation. Easy to configure, easy on performance.

PHP on Apache implementation could easy give you your picture server. Even a nice Javascript would do it well. Also, there are a few good apps for streaming web cam video as well, not sure off the top of my head though. For secure access to your pictures, and even a chance to chat, or blog you could look into a wikki. Also, very easy to get going and maintain.

For a good PVR setup, your going to need a large HD, might be more than a laptop HD can do, atleast cost/benefit wise. Might want to sacrifice some noise for a much larger HD.

Also, be aware that running headless may make things difficult for your wife, should anything go wrong while you are delpoyed with the system. Might look into SSH and possibly Webmin running on a non-standard port for easy secure access while away from home for remote access.

Just a few thoughts. Best of luck over there, you boys come home safely: and thanks .

I appreciate the response. Software is where I'm least familar with everything after being gone for a 10 year gap lol. As far as the wireless its actually going to be free so far I think. The VIA mb I'm looking at has an integrated type I/II pc card slot and I have a spare pcmia senoa card laying around so that should take care of that. The PVR is about the last thing I would like to get working.

I will definetly look into the shoutcast and icecast. My wife is pretty computer literate and wouldn't have a problem doing basic troubleshooting or hooking it up to a monitor / keyboard. What I'm looking at doing is buying everything here in the next couple days. Getting it all shipped home. Installing gentoo when I go home on leave and getting all the software. Then taking it back to iraq with me and working on getting everything running here. Once it is all up and running then I can easily just mail it back to her and have her plug it in.

Anyone know if it is possible to have a wireless card act as a firewall itself? I'd rather use the box as a firewall then use the linksys router since I want to have a little more control over everything then just clicking on a button and saying "firewall enabled".

As for right now let me redefine it since you got me thinking and get rid of the backup / pvr thingy. That should definetly bring everything into my price range.

Thanks for the help