Hi I would like to get Linux to do three tasks. I'm thinking of using Ubuntu for doing these things, but if another distribution would be easier, please tell me.

1.
I want to network a Linux machine to my other computers so I can use it to store files. My other computers are running OS X and Windows XP. I really only need to network it with the OS X computer, but XP would be a plus. I have no idea how to setup computer networks. All I'm looking for is the easiest way to be able to mount the Linux computer on my Powerbook to share files between the two. My Powerbook is connected to a wireless router if that matters.

2.
I don't want to run the Linux computer with a monitor, keyboard, etc. Is there a way that I can access it and manage it from my Powerbook? I've read about VNC and think that it would be a good way to accomplish this. So I think what I need to do is set up the computer so that it starts a VNC server on startup. When I've used Linux previously, a password needs to be entered to log in. I assume it can be set so that it automatically logs in without the password. But the other thing I'm worried about is that having it log in by itself may be insecure, but as I don't have a monitor/keyboard, how do enter the password when I turn the computer on?

3.
I want to know how to setup the Linux machine as an FTP server so that I can make user accounts and connect to it from other machines.

If anyone is able to help explain any of these topics to me or give me links in the right direction to accomplish these tasks completely or partially, please do so and thank you.

1) for linux <--> Mac OS only, use NFS
for linux <--> Mac OS <--> windows you must use Samba

2) Just use ssh. It is already installed in OS X. A VPN is probably overkill in your case.

3) Pick an FTPD and install it. Configuration will depend on which you install.

I don't think I can be much help here but I would like to post a similar question.

I have a MacBook (wireless) & a Ubuntu Server 8.04 (wired) machine. When I try to ssh into the ubuntu box it says:
"ssh: connect to host <hostname> port 22: Connection refused".

Also when I try to connect to it via finder (OSX Gui) it says that the Alias needs to be fixed. I have installed NFS on the Ubuntu box.

I am wanting to be able to SSH into it from the laptop and from outside my home network (from work or somewhere else). Also would like to be able to FTP files in and out.

Is there a way also to Use a printer on the Ubuntu Server and print from the Mac.


Any info or links to some tutorials would be great.

Thanks.

I did find this link if anyone is interested. I'm going to have to try and see if this works.


http://www.linux.com/feature/54739

I guess that I didn't get the whole public/private key thing working I still don't understand but, I was able to ssh in from my MacBook.

ssh username@<ip address> -- Then put in the password for that user and it worked fine.

This is probably another issue but I can't access it outside of my LAN. I setup my router to forward to my Ubuntu server's ip, but when i try it it just says "operation timed out"

I still haven't been able to get the NFS working either.

Anyway thanks for any help.