Best way to allow all computers on my home network to access the internet through one static IP - NT 4.0 or Linux?

[Fun Guy]

I am configuring a home network and the machines will consist of one NT 4.0 Server Box and at least one Win98 box, maybe more. I want all machines to have access to the internet via the one IP address I have assigned to me. I want to be able to run FTP, WWW, and a web site later down the road.

Can I do all of this with my one NT box? Can my server box serve as the proxy server, and also do an IP masquerading bit so the Win98 boxes can access the internet? Can the NT box serve as a firewall as well?

I already have a Linux box built and in storage so I can recruit this into action if a Linux solution is better or necessary. Either way I have a Linksys 5-port switching hub to handle the network from the NT box back.

Any help or suggestions appreciated.

 

[Train]

well im not too sure about NT 4, but in win 2k connection sharing is a piece of cake, i just right clicked on my connection, and checked the box that said share this connection.

Im pretty sure if you fool around in the control panel for a few minutes youll find what you need in NT 4.

 

[brewty]

yeah... all possible. just need the software to do so (with NT or linux or even win9x for that matter).

hey look i'm a senior member now!

 

[bonkers325]

u can always get a router
or run dhcp from your server

 

[err]

I am doing the exact same setup with my NT server without a problem.

I say the best way to do this is through MS proxy server 2.0 & NT DHCP server. Howerver the bad thing is if the proxy is down, so is internet connection for all the clients.

The easiest way to do this is to buy a hardware router like the Netgear or Linksys router. It can do DHCP as well and the internet connection will always be available even though your NT server is down.

There is no problem at all serving FTP and WWW server with both option. NT Server can also serve as firewall, yes... but not that strong of a firewall I've actually used Innoculan GuardIT firewall on my box and it is preety cool ....

I bet this is also workable in Linux but I have not enough experience to talk about it ..

Good luck and have fun

eRr