Server for boss

[Zambini]

My boss wants to have a server that he can have people put stuff on it.

Basically, he wants to be able to have the original documents for all of our fliers, pamphlets, documents, and pictures.

I was thinking Ubuntu Server, since I've had some work with it earlier. I'm going to try and not lol at anyone who thinks I should get Windows Server.


So how should I do this, just set up the server to accept FTP (install gproftpd or something) and then forward port 21 through to the server.

Will his Windows Computer be able to see the files without having to log in to FTP (aka: I need it to be in the local network) ? this is important, because the internet we have is <60kb/s. Its really old DSL. And I don't want to have him have to do something that isn't necessary.

[carpenator]

Zambini, how many users are going to connect to the server? I would actually suggest against Windows 2003 server unless you have a fair budget and server applications designed for that platform.

I think what you want to do with the server is run Samba. It makes the server act like a Windows machine to the other workstations. In this way you can just map drives, and you are good to go. I have not used it much, but I think there are some permission options.

Issues are going to be if you want any security on the files to restrict certain users to only see certain files. The other issue is if it will be accessible to the Internet as then you are going to have to tighten it down much more.

If you have 10 or less users, you can just use a Windows XP machine to share the files. Just make sure it has some extra beef to it.

[Zambini]

Well there's only gonna be <10 people. And it is gonna require them to be able to do it from anywhere.

[MantaBase]

If its just a data server, you just need a machine that has FTP service and Web service. You could likely pull it off with something as simple as XP Pro and some software.

You want RAID 1 and plenty of space + a real (corporate level) BU strategy in place. Weekly BU's minimum. Monthly full systems BU's as well. The OS - for this type of thing - is basically "whatever works". Its low traffic and no sever side app. The Web access is simply to provide a download portal. Uploading would be through FTP. Security on *nix could be handled with .htaccess management. I'm sure windows has an equivalent.

I have this set up for my work on a synthetic intranet. You can access it from anyplace via a web broswer and download files. Upload requires FTP. WIth so few people, you only need one FTP account for them. Just change the password every month or so.

Manta