Add Slackware Server to Home Network
 

My first Linux project was Debian v2, then Red Hat v6, SuSE, and now Slackware. With the exceptions of CollegeLinux and SkoleLinux they all ended with a black screen, a blinking cursor, and not a clue as what to do next. I am still trying to replace my windos desktops with Linux and have spent hours reading posts on the Internet.

I have a cable modem and router/switch on a simple windos home network, sharing file, printer, and Internet. I want to experiment with a Slackware v11 server. It would share files (data and backups) and a printer, but not Internet. I used Xampp to setup a "virtual" web host on a win2k computer so I could edit and view web pages (WebSiteBaker) before I publish them to my web site. I understand Slackware comes with Apache, PHP, MySql, Samba, SSH and other software I can use to setup a network web host to replace the win2k one. Also, I like to pop my email accounts to save emails locally for reference.

Question: (finally) What is the best method to use to get the server to pop the email and allow me to access the mail from another computer on my home network?

I am using Thunderbird now but how do I read the mail from another computer? Do I need a web mail program, or just use VNC? SSH?

I have saved a dozen "How To" links to configure the software mentioned above, but I am just not clear on how a client would use an app on the (my) server. Any input would be appreciated!

:})

Hello there

I would recommend a more user friendly Linux distro. Dont get me wrong i love Slackware in fact, but Slack it's much more professional and requires much more admin-fu skillz than other distros. You will have to make them all configs by hand as well as vast majority of slack tasks. I recommend a Debian/Ubuntu gamma so you can have most of the services ready to go.

Regards
Andy

Thanks Andy. Your suggestions are appreciated. I can do that!

Actually, the CollegeLinux mentioned above is based on Slackware and is what peeked my interest. Also the SkoleLinux (translated: SchoolLinux) is based on Debian and is designed to be a thin client server system for a school environment. I actually had it running when I first posted here.

So even though I had downloaded and burned the 6 Slackware CDs, I went to the Debian site to get a copy. Wow! 21 CD's! No worries though, I got the network install CD and I have my server (with files and printers) up and running as I post. My home network accepted the server with no problem, but even after configuring Samba the server won't accept my passwords from windos (what fun!). I get an "It Works!" page from apache through the web server, but I still haven't figured out how to log in to the server or how to setup mail. I should go now and find some more "How To"s to finish configuring Debian.

Robert :})

Hi Rob

Actually all you need for Debian is the netinst cd image. It will install the basic system and then you will just add packages as you may see fit. You dont need to install the full Debian system because most of the packages installed will not be needed. If you need any further assistance please feel free to contact me.

Regards
Andy

Hey Andy!

I have successfully built my second Debian home network server. Wow, have I learned a lot. I am now experimenting with desktop computers to finally replace windoz as my primary OS. Your help is appreciated. Thank you.

You're welcome.