Linux, NTFS, and Samba

[bagaki]

This is what i have....

PII 450, 384MB, 27.3GB, 80GB, 16GB, ZIP100, CD-ROM
Windows 2K Server

This is my server for 2 Windows Machines. I have the 80GB with all of my music, and the 27.3 is the boot and partitioned for my backups. I also have an FTP server installed on this machine for outside access of my files when i am away. I currently use Terminal Services in win2K for server administration and such. I also currently have all of the drives setup using NTFS.

I have no real experience with Linux, but from what I understand, it has no or little support for NTFS. I just recently read about samba, and think that it would be a viable option if i wanted to change over to linux.

I use my server so that i can connect to all of my work from the road, and it is stuff that i would really like to be secure. I currently use a router with firewall, but it is getting dated and i would like to upgrade to something with VPN.

What would i need to do to setup my server using linux - (it has no monitor or mouse or keyboard attached, so could i connect to it via some interface to administer it and update it? (telnet or something like that?) What version of linux could be suggested, and is samba a viable solution for interfacing with win2k and win9x? What type of file system is recommended for linux if NTFS wont work? Also, is VPN support only processed via the router or is it also dependent on the server and OS itself? I am looking for CHEAP solutions here, with the router being the most expensive thing (~$200). Suggestions for any or all of the about is great!!!

I hope this all makes sense, and i appreciate the replys.

thanks

bagaki

 

[Tiger]

Reading NTFS partitions isn't a problem in Linux. The problem comes when you try to write to them.

 

[TheOmegaCode]

Originally posted by: Tiger
Reading NTFS partitions isn't a problem in Linux. The problem comes when you try to write to them.

The drivers to write do exist, but they usually crash the OS. What do you expect though, MS isn't releasing any information about the filesystem. (I'm sure you knew that, I'm just sharing )

Run Linux on Ext3 filesystems, so you can take advantage of journals if something goes wrong. Setting up a Samba isn't too hard, as a matter of fact AT has a FAQ on it.

 

[bagaki]

how do i go about making the drives use the Ext3 filesystem. I have the ability to backup everything on my server, so i can completly format. Suggestions about which distro to use? i would also need a solid ftp server and that is about it i think. maybe i would also run a private radio server for when i travel.

thanks for the feedback

bagaki

 

[TheOmegaCode]

Backup all your data, and format your drives. I'd go with Debian, it's my new bias. It's a bit more complicated to setup, but if you read the doc's it's a great distro. It's also very, very easy to maintain.
Need an ftp? just 'su' to root and apt-get install bsd-ftpd. Don't like bsd-ftp? apt-cache search ftpd, and pick another

 

[Nothinman]

The drivers to write do exist, but they usually crash the OS.

They don't crash the OS, they corrupt the NTFS filesystem.

 

[TheOmegaCode]

Originally posted by: Nothinman

The drivers to write do exist, but they usually crash the OS.

They don't crash the OS, they corrupt the NTFS filesystem.

I knew something bad happened. Thanks for the correction...

 

[BurnItDwn]

Samba is good

dont use telnet, Use SSH its much more secure

Alse you can Use VNC if you want to have a GUI.

Any distro would ren well on that box, plenty o ram for linux

 

[bignick]

If the router you're going to buy is doing the VPN connection (i.e. one of the new netgear or linksys routers) then it doesn't matter what OS your server is running. As long as the server is running the necessary services to share the resources to the client. For example, if you connect to the router VPN via a windows box (highly likely), then you need to have an operating system that supports windows networks (windows, any *nix running samba, etc.).

If you're comfortable, and don't have any serious problems with windows on your server, don't change it.

 

[Gunnar]

Why use Linux?

It doesnt sound you are doing anything that is overly funky, why not go with a secure OpenBSD install?

IMO, BSD will save you from a bunch of headaches that I found Linux to be. Unfortunately, hardware support is somewhat limited. But if you have compatible stuff, why not get the best?