Software selection

[TheMayhem]

Hi,

I'm planning on setting up my first complete Linux server. I am not allowed to ask for suggestions on which distro to use so please keep your answers to software only!

Before I start I want to point out that I am aware of the security risk with placing firewall, webserver and more on the same system, so no rants on that!

The only thing I have given any thought to is the distro where I am thinking of using SuSE. But please do not make any other suggestions in this thread. This is something I need to figure out on my own apparently.

So, here's what I'm looking for:
1. A good and easily configured firewall but with the ability to set more advanced settings.
2. A webserver. I assume this will be Apache?
3. Database application. I assume MySQL?
4. The ability to work as a file server for windows and linux clients. (samba?)
5. A good FTP server with support for encrypted transfers, virtual folders and decent user/rights management.
6. A good bitTorrent client.
7. Possibly also be able to run as a domain controller for windows/linux machines although this is something I will not set up initially.

I want to be able to run a GUI for all apps. I feel safer with that available to begin with although I am aim on running it strictly from terminal/command line in the long run.

Any suggestions on parts of this or the entire thing would be most welcome! I'm worried about in-compability, or if there are benefits from using specific apps in combination. And also helpful suggestions for how to go about doing it.

Thanks!

[adrenaline]

I would recommend CENTOS it is Red Hat Enterprise minus the Logos.

It will do everything and is an easy to learn also.

I would suggest that one for starters.

[pavlo_7]

Try CentOS, and SFTP in a jail for #5
http://olivier.sessink.nl/jailkit/

[TheMayhem]

Thanks, I will look into these!

[Marsolin]

For the firewall I'd check out either GuardDog or Firestarter.

I use KTorrent as a BitTorrent client and find it to work well.

Samba is a good option for file sharing if you are talking about a workgroup or domain environment.

[antidrugue]

The only thing I have given any thought to is the distro where I am thinking of using SuSE. But please do not make any other suggestions in this thread. This is something I need to figure out on my own apparently.

You've figured out right. If you need a server distribution with good management tools (graphical ones), Suse is probably a good choice. CentOS could be one too.

1. A good and easily configured firewall but with the ability to set more advanced settings.

Shorewall perhaps.

2. A webserver. I assume this will be Apache?

Ya ya, Apache is probably the most flexible and full featured one. For simple use, you can look into lighthttpd.

3. Database application. I assume MySQL?

MySQL for most uses. For some specific usages PostgreSQL will be more appropriate, however MySQL remains the ideal choice for most users.

4. The ability to work as a file server for windows and linux clients. (samba?)

Exactly, Samba provides excellent compatibility with Windows Shares.

5. A good FTP server with support for encrypted transfers, virtual folders and decent user/rights management.

There are too many. Pick the one that is better supported in your distribution of choice. I believe Suse uses Proftpd by default (not sure though).

6. A good bitTorrent client.

A mather of preferences here. Depending on the features you like, many can do the job. Personally I like Azureus, as it is the most full featured BitTorrent Client around. It allows you to run a torrent server very easily also.

7. Possibly also be able to run as a domain controller for windows/linux machines although this is something I will not set up initially.

Samba can do the job very reliably here.


Good luck on your quest.