Hi I'm new to linux, I'm currently working on my final project for my computer networking course, at my final project I need to add a linux server which only will be providing front end firewall and internet proxy or perhaps mysql(since iis6 hates mysql) service, after reading a few reviews I've decided to pick up a copy of fedora core 3, but expriencing quite some problem and need some help.... here's my question:

0) Is the auto partition from anaconda reliable? as in will they arrange free enuf space for expansion/functioning?

1) in order to put firewall, should I use the one which ond built in on fc3 or should I take a 3rd party one like ipcop or smooth wall? if so, which one do you recommend?

2) what module should I pick to enable proxy server?

3) I'm planning to use Gnome to do the setup since I have 0 knowledge on linux command, but after the mockup, how can I switch back to command line only mode? (I need it for better performance in bootup and performance since my computer is not good, only p3 with 512 ram)

4) SHould I be lazy and just pick server template to install?

5) what else should I be aware of and what tools are recommend to install after the installation (I dun need mp3 support )

6) I'm planning to install on a old computer which have nvidia geforce 2, from one of the review I see someone claims that fedora does not have the driver for it, I need to grab it from the site and install the rpm, how do I do that?

Any suggestion/redirection to guide/links are greatly apprecieated (I'll worship you if you can provide me a complete step to step guide) =]

thanks

autopartion? Even if it was I would never auto partition. I would do it manually. make a swap and a ext2 or ext3 partition mounted at root. make the / partion quite large.

Runlevel 3 no gui enviroment. would have to configure init to start up to runlevel 3.

I beleive that server template doesn't have a gui enviroment. go with the workstation. You can costomize the packages to install.

look into the the yum command line tool. You may have to run up2date to get the key. I can't ever get the key with the command line.

The 4 disk FC3 comes with most everything you need. I haven't played with the firewall but I don't see why you would need a different one.

Tom

I, and probably most users, prefer to manually partition drives. However, if you're not dual booting the computer, and can dedicate the entire HD to Fedora, auto partitioning should be fine.

The preconfigured firewall in Fedora is more than adequate. If your project requires you set one up yourself, SmoothWall is suppose to be one of the best.

nin881 was right, Yum will be one of your best friends when working with Fedora, download and learn to use it.

An excellent link that covers many things in working with Fedora can be found here....

http://www.fedorafaq.org/