Linux Server software recommendations firewall proxy email fax etc
 

I am looking at setting up a fairly standard combination of software for installation of Linux servers in small businesses. I have most experience with RedHat, little with Debian but I am leaning towards utilising Debian as I have found Redhat 9 to be a little slower and some of the installs could be on older hardware. I would like some feedback as to the best combination of software for the servers. As such I have listed below the components below and what I am thinking of using. Ideally I want the easiest servers that will do an adequate job, work well together and not be resource hungry. Open source type software is preferred unless there are any really good reasons for using something else.
Any feedback, particularly with links etc to instructions for setting up the whole package (or as much of as possible) would be great.
Main thrust of server will be for proxy firewall and email with potentially use as PDC replacement and maybe Web server.
Thanks in advance

linux distro - Debian 3.0r1 or Redhat 9.0
internet connection through separate NIC to adsl etc
may have internet domain, but may not
firewall - iptables + frontend maybe firestarter?
Intrution detection and alerting system - tripwire
proxy server ACL and time based - squid
MTA - procmail
external mail retrieval - fetchmail
mail server (POP/SMTP/IMAP browser) - qmail
LDAP Server - OpenLDAP
OpenSSH ans OpenSSL
dns - bind
dhcp server
remote access dialin
remote control - vnc
network config - webmin / linuxconf
windows file sharing PDC - samba
print server
instant messenger server (lan/wan) - ??
ftp server - ProFTPd
fax server - hylafax
database - MySQL
web server - apache

Re: Linux Server software recommendations firewall proxy email fax etc
 

It looks like your list is fairly complete. However, I have a hard time recommending software without knowing more about the company.

Off hand though, I'd say build the firewall by hand - iptables in your own script. I would also suggest that you just use the command prompt to do your networking config - a simple text editor and the command prompt is all you'll need for network config and firewall.

Is a proxy really necessary?
I don't know about some of the others like fax software... *shrug* sorry.

<flame suit>
If this is a business, I would suggest going to something like the new Lotus Notes/Domino Express package. I know you can replace many of the functions with free software, but the Domino package integrates much easier than a collection of 3rd party products. It would handle all of your e-mail, ldap and http needs as well as allow you room to grow into the instant messaging arena - I think they even have a deal for 20 free SameTime licenses with the purchase. Domino does run in linux and if you ever decide to grow your infrastructure, you can use the kick-ass components to get it working through WebSphere Portal... I digress.
<flame suit off>
If you are going for all freeware then the above won't help you.

I've installed firestarter on my server at work and absolutely love it. Easy to set up, easy to maintain. I'm a relative Linux newbie, and I found this program to fill the need that I had (internet sharing + firewall) and it was easy as I'm an experienced Windows admin. (I'm trying to quit...I'm on the 12 step program) Anyways, nothing but green boxes on grc.com's shield's up program. Just my $1.65

Travis