I administer a small network at a small nonprofit. We currently have about 25 users on an aging NT4 SP6, SBS 4.5, Exchange 5.5 server. We don't want to spend the cash to upgrade to the current Microsoft Server/Exchange, etc. (And I don't really want to bring another Microsoft baby into the world because of all the security problems I'm seeing with MS). I'd like to know what your opinions are on the pros and cons of going to Slackware and sendmail instead of Server 2003/Exchange or whatever.
Our reasons:
1) $$$$$$. We don't have the cash to spend on all the licensing and licensing and licensing.
2) We want a reliable system. (and we don't want to have to reboot every time a configuration change is made!!)
3) I don't want to spend days and nights reading up on and implementing security patches.
What we use our server / network for:
1) File server
2) backup to tape (python DDS3)
3) Exchange (outgoing)
4) PopCon program to pop mail accounts hosted elsewhere and transfer to Exchange
6) Users all use Outlook for email, calendar, contacts, tasks, shared company calendar
5) Internet Access (DSL modem into a Netgear FVL 328
6) VPN access to files and Outlook/Exchange
7) Incoming faxes routed to a receptionist's inbox
8) Outgoing faxes we don't do, but might
9) Antivirus administration. We use Trend Antivirus version for servers - its administered through a web interface, updates are handled by the server, etc...
10) Little bit of FTP
11) An automated script backs up our offsite hosted website to a folder on a separate hard drive and is backed up to tape
Our current plan is to export all users Exchange data to PSTs and put them in their own /home/user/mail folder and set up Outlook to use PSTs rather than Exchange or Exchange replacement for Linux (expensive).
We have the Netgear box which will act as a VPN endpoint. We tested accessing a shared folder from a Slackware box connected to the LAN and it worked
For the company shared calendar, we'll just create another PST for that and have all users open a second PST in Outlook.
For faxes, we're going to set up a standalone workstation (an old Win98se from inventory) and load WinFax Pro on it to receive and distribute the faxes.
Antivirus - don't know what to do yet
automated website backup to Z drive - don't know what to do yet
What are your thoughts on this transition? Concerns? Pros and Cons? I'd like to hear your opinions.
Thanks
Rick
