Small bussiness server

[ElevenWarrior]

Hi, I'm looking at making a server for a small bussines. I just need to it to be able to,
* have a central file sharing amongst a small network of computers, (100 about) in different locations.
* Needs to be free
* be accessible from anywhere.
I've looked at Ubuntu 8.04 server, fedora, and apache.
This is my first time working with any kind of servers, so not quite sure which one to do. I'd prefer it to be as simple as possible.
thanks in advance :)

[snakdoc]

ubuntu can do all those things. I say ubuntu or well any debain branch is helpful to the newbie because of apt-get. For the file sharing if you are in a windows environment samba would be the package you would need. the install is as easy as sudo apt-get install samba. Also ubuntu has amazing amount of support in irc and the forums.

Edit: missed comment about anywhere vpn would be the secure way to all shares over internet or ftp depends on what you are wanting.

[ElevenWarrior]

thank you!
so I should go with Ubuntu server? (downloads ISO)
I was considering building a server, or should I just buy? (I don't want to build a server that doesn't work with ubuntu)
I assume I can set up a FTP server with ubuntu server as well?

[karlson]

thank you!
so I should go with Ubuntu server? (downloads ISO)
I was considering building a server, or should I just buy? (I don't want to build a server that doesn't work with ubuntu)
I assume I can set up a FTP server with ubuntu server as well?

Ubuntu Server will do fine.

Do you want to buy server with Ubuntu preinstalled? Or just buy a Server? if you are just buying a server. HP, Dell, Penguin Computing will run Linux just fine.

FTP is also available.

[ElevenWarrior]

Would it be cheaper to build a server or buy one?
(I know ubuntu has sometimes had problems with custom built machines)

[openfly]

you may want some form of support contract that will service the machine in the event hardware fails.

[lykwydchykyn]

This is my first time working with any kind of servers, so not quite sure which one to do. I'd prefer it to be as simple as possible.


Would it be cheaper to build a server or buy one?
(I know ubuntu has sometimes had problems with custom built machines)

Whether or not it's cheaper, I think the answer is above. You've got 100 people depending on your server to store the work they are doing, and you've never worked with servers before. At least get someone to build and warranty the hardware.

[Krijk]

thank you!
so I should go with Ubuntu server? (downloads ISO)
I was considering building a server, or should I just buy? (I don't want to build a server that doesn't work with ubuntu)
I assume I can set up a FTP server with ubuntu server as well?

I would take the LTS version ( 8.04 is the latest). If you use the howto's it should work fine.

[ElevenWarrior]

Whether or not it's cheaper, I think the answer is above. You've got 100 people depending on your server to store the work they are doing, and you've never worked with servers before. At least get someone to build and warranty the hardware.


yep your right. Thanks for answering my questions!