I am new to Linux and I need to setup a server so I can backup a couple of remote WInXP boxes to my house and I was told Linux is the OS to use and SSH is the program to use. I just installed RedHat 10 and dont have a clue what to do next, and what would I need to install on my WinXp boxes. I sure could use some help Thanks.

You'll need to install OpenSSH - there is more info from the website (http://www.openssh.org/)

as for what you are going to run as clients on the XP machines, I recommend Putty it's a very good win32 client. also note that it partially depends on what you want to back up. YOu can use the scp utility that comes with putty to copy individaul files. I might recommend using another type of server if you have large backup you want to perform, like multiple files/folders. I would suggest using a VPN connection, perhaps PPTP(poptop) or an IPSEC with L2TP XP supports both of these VPN's natively. when you logon over an internet connection with them it creates a secure encrypted tunnel through the internet to your Linux box. If you also have Samba Running on the linux box you can use The network places in Windows have a directory that can copy files to and from. Good luck let us know more.

--Alex

If you've installed RH10, I'd bet that ssh is already installed and maybe even running. In a console run netstat -l and see if ssh shows up. You can also run ps -A and see if sshd is one of the running processes.

it is up and running logged in through my local network fine. of the programs you sugjeted can they be automated so they back up during the night. I need to back up a data base it varys from 5Mb to 40Mb been using pcanywhere but would like it to be automatic. and remember I am not the sharpest network guy so the program needs to be easy. thanks again for the help

Not sure if XP still supports batch files, but you could probably run one to do the backup. Or perhaps if you run a search on tucows, or the web you may be able to find a freeware or shareware automated backup program.

--Alex

XP still can use BAT files.. but not sure what you are backing up? is this a part of the SSH issue or not?

yes the back ups are what I need the SSH for the data base has customer info in it

I did a quick search and found this dynamic DNS hosting service, they offer 12.95 domain registration, as well as web based interface for setup, a setup wizard, and Perl script for linux that can be run as a daemon to automatically update the dynamic dns. THis is a start for you try running a search in dogpile, for linux dynamic DNS, it will come up with a few more as well

--Alex

btw, if you want to use your DSL so that employees can get to your network for various services I don't hink that is an issue, under the terms of agreement, I believe it only becomes one if you try to host a public internet site from it. YOu could very easily still run an email server and give out employee@co-domain.com email takes up a tiny fraction of bandwidth.