random Question, Linxu VS SBS2003/8

VeNT · 22 Jul 2008 at 14:00

I was just wondering if theres a way I could do everything thats in SBS2003 with a linux distro without killing myself in the process
main things I'm after are
Active Directory (ie logons/domain)
Exchange (email, shared claender)
File Shares (with permisions)
Print server (maybe with printer pooling)
backup etc

just wondering how complex it would be to setup (ie worth my time?)

VeNT · 22 Jul 2008 at 15:58

how close we talking? what do I lose?

VeNT · 22 Jul 2008 at 16:27

saw a link on the novel site for linux small business server (Suse) but all the following links where to enterprise (way overkill!)
ideas?

VeNT · 23 Jul 2008 at 14:37

SME Server anyone? seen it? used it?
I'm VMWaring a couple of options atm but I'm uber rusty on command line working

VeNT · 23 Jul 2008 at 15:44

main thing is the outlay for licences etc, we're gonna need about 13 or so CALs for SBS so that bumps up the price

VeNT · 23 Jul 2008 at 16:06

yeah its the investment that their baulking at, I guess with the downturn in the markets they don't want to spend out right now

VeNT · 23 Jul 2008 at 16:40

tbh, I've been playing around all day with different linux distros
I'm not lost at the command line and I'm happy to work without a GUI when I need to but I really think this would be 110% faster with a GUI and less apt-get.
gonna talk to boss again, either I spend a month setting up this server so its just right with linux or he gets SBS.

VeNT · 24 Jul 2008 at 11:22

BillytheImpaler said:
Boss: I want this lengthy list of Windows Server-only features so that all of my Windows-only clients can connect to those Windows-only services and make use of them using Windows-only applications, but I do not want to pay for Windows Server. Make it happen!

or pay much for the hardware
or your time

VeNT · 24 Jul 2008 at 11:22

oh, anyone looked at xandros server? I've tried to get it working in virtual box but can't get it to boot after install?

VeNT · 24 Jul 2008 at 11:32

nm, somtimes you just have to turn off virtualisation in virtual servers

gah now it sits at starting network connections...

fiddle fiddle fiddle

VeNT · 25 Jul 2008 at 21:07

just wish he would listen
or rather I wish he wouldn't have his mind changed by his wife
tbh I am thinking of moving job so I don't have to deal with them anymore as I'm not looking forward to picking up the pieces after it all goes wrong

VeNT · 26 Jul 2008 at 10:53

2008 is nov this year
iirc CALs arn't yearly subs are they?
my time is included in any costings and theres no IT budget per-say mainly because the boss doesn't want to spend anything

VeNT · 28 Jul 2008 at 16:07

open exchange has a cost to it too,

VeNT · 30 Jul 2008 at 11:17

cool
anyone know if there is any free IM type thing for server 2003/2008, I've looked at office comm but its way too £££ seeing as you can get windows live messenger etc free

VeNT · 30 Jul 2008 at 23:44

K.C. Leblanc said:
Or you could use NET SEND

I could use my leatherman to remove my fillings but I won't

google brought up spark and openfire too, looks nice, was setup on a spare PC in moments and seems stable enough!

VeNT · 31 Jul 2008 at 10:10

spark seems to work well, anyone know how to stop people making new users from the client? I've set everyone up an account but some people keep making new ones

VeNT · 31 Jul 2008 at 15:37

nice one, all workin!
just got to get the server now!

VeNT · 4 Aug 2008 at 10:02

philjohn said:
Best way is to make the OpenFire server auth against your AD/LDAP server.

when I've got one going