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Linux Newbie Question: Which Linnux Distro is best for VPN server

We have a MS Windows NT4 Domain. All users locally use MS 2k, XP, NT4 WS for LAN access. We have dedicated ISDN lines right now connecting 2 satellite offices. We would like to drop the ISDN's and impliment a VPN server for our business. We would like to use Linux for our VPN server due to the low cost. I am not an expert in Linux or Unix by any means, but am willing to learn.

I have downloaded and visited various VPN sites that have been listed here on EE and have received a lot of useful info. I have copies of RH9, and Suse9 (full distro, not live eval) distros and have found both to be user friendly.

I would like some input from experienced Linux admins what their opinions would be.

Thanks

Mike

karlwilbur

I do not have a whole lot of experience with SuSe. That said, of the two I'd prefer RedHat. However, I have not been very pleased with RedHat. They have made great strides in designing a user friendly interface (well, somewhat friendly; http://www.catb.org/~esr/writings/cups-horror.html; but RedHat is not directly at fault for this one).

When I was just starting out withn Linux I was using Red Hat 7.0 and I am pleased with what they have done since. Well done Red Hat. However, overall I find the directory structure inconsistant with agreed upon standards (http://www.pathname.com/fhs/) and this make things hard to find. Also I have found Red Hat to be somewhat kludgey.

I perfer Linux From Scratch (http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/lfs/whatislfs.html). Their guid to buliding you own linux distrobution is great. IMO. I don't really think that this is the way to go from someone new to the computer field but since you "...have a MS Windows NT4 Domain...". It may not be over your head.

For an easy, set-it-up and get-it-running installation. Red Hat.

For a slick, lean, mean Linux machine. LFS.

Hope this helps.

-karl

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karlwilbur

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whag25

ASKER

Hi Karl,

Thanks for the info. The LFS looks like a preety neat way to go. Being the fact that all I am looking for is an FTP/HTTP server for FTP access, that may be the way to go. Thanks for the input

whag25

ASKER

As well as the VPN way. :) sorry..working on too many projects here