Can't figure out what to get

[jim.thornton]

I know that this question is probably asked a ton. I did do searches but I can't find exactly what I am looking for.

I have recently just bought a Dell PowerEdge 840 with:
2x500GB SATA HD - Plan on setting up RAID-1
4GB Ram
Dual Core Intel® Xeon™ 3060, 4MB Cache, 2.4GHz, 1066MHz FSB

I also purchased a 24 port switch.


I did not get the Windows Server software mainly due to the cost involved. I am trying to go "Open Source" all the way for my business, this way, as I hire more people my costs are greatly reduced.

I want to run the following on this machine:
1. I would like to setup a LAMP server.

2. Database CRM: My plans are to setup a CRM client database program which will be accessible on the LAN and through VPN into the network. This database program will be browser driven with a MySQL back-end.

3. I will also be using the server to store and access files and documents.

4. My plans (not right away) are also to use the server to run Asterisk as a phone system (this was the main reason for the 24 port switch).

I think I have "over bought" the system - at least I hope I have. This way, it will be scalable.

My Question:
I'm very new to Linux. I have installed Ubuntu in the past on a personal computer but I didn't play around with it too much. I still don't really understand the whole repository thing - but that is a topic for another day.

I have been reading up on distros, and I think the concensus seems to be that openSuSE is the best option for my needs. However, I would like to confirm this. If that is the case, I have noticed that the Enterprise eval is a fully working version except that the updates stop after 30 days. Is it possible to get these updates after that - manually or whatever?

Also, is Enterprise necessary for what I want? Can I basically build the Enterprise server system by installing the openSUSE and then addition programs later?

Finally... Security is EXTREMELY important. Cost is a huge factor, so I am looking to something with very little to no cost. Time spent "figuring it out" isn't a problem. I am proficient with computers and have a background in coding (self taught - so nothing too complex).

Any help is much appreciated.

[WizRd]

I have been reading up on distros, and I think the concensus seems to be that openSuSE is the best option for my needs. However, I would like to confirm this. If that is the case, I have noticed that the Enterprise eval is a fully working version except that the updates stop after 30 days. Is it possible to get these updates after that - manually or whatever?

If you use openSuSE it is free, this is exactly the same as Fedora / Redhat. One is free, one costs.

The primary difference between openSuSE and SLES is the enterprise support.

Also, is Enterprise necessary for what I want? Can I basically build the Enterprise server system by installing the openSUSE and then addition programs later?

See above, the primary difference isn't really much in the way of packages, but the support behind it.

Finally... Security is EXTREMELY important. Cost is a huge factor, so I am looking to something with very little to no cost. Time spent "figuring it out" isn't a problem. I am proficient with computers and have a background in coding (self taught - so nothing too complex).

If you want security, I would suggest using iptables and locking down the server as required. Eg if you are using a sip connection, don't just open up port 5600 to EVERYONE... just the IP addresses of your SIP provider.

There are some free security tools avalaible to help with "monitoring" your server, you may want to look at tripwire as an example, again free, but can be a resource hog when it does its checks.

[jim.thornton]

Thanks for your response.

I should have mentioned that not only am I new to Linux, I am also new to servers. This is the first one that I have ever setup (aside from a PC that is networked in my office for the purpose of file/print sharing under windows XP/2000).

If you wouldn't mind, can you expand slightly on IP Tables and SIP connections.

I was originally thinking of having a VPN running. Either through openSSL vpn software or by using the functionality of the Router that I have. I have an OvisLink router which is capable of hosting VPN connections using IPSec.

Again, I do appreciate your help!